WhatsApp releases upgraded native app for Mac with new features and optimized performance

WhatsApp has recently released an upgraded native app for Mac after a beta testing phase, and following its earlier Windows desktop version. The previous macOS version was known for its resource-heavy nature and complexity (essentially a web wrapper), but the updated version, however, has been optimized to address all these issues and several new features have been added to it, such as group calling capabilities, supporting up to 8 participants in video calls and 32 in audio calls. Users can also join ongoing group calls, view their call history, and receive incoming call notifications even when the app is inactive. The app's design has been revamped to align more with the OS design language and is optimized for larger screens.

The updated app simplifies file sharing, allowing users to drag and drop files directly into chats. Like other platforms, the Mac version of WhatsApp offers end-to-end encryption to ensure the security of personal messages and calls across various devices.

If you want to download the new version, it is available from WhatsApp.com and will soon be accessible on the App Store (you can only download the old version from there for now, but it shouldn't take long to update).