WhatsApp calling appears set to land on Wear OS 3 smartwatches, with details emerging in a beta update for Android phone users.
Currently, given that there's no true native WhatsApp integration on Wear OS, users aren't able to answer calls from their wrist - or even receive notifications regarding incoming calls.
Ending a call once it's been started on a phone is sometimes possible, but this often proves buggy, too, in our experience.
As revealed through WhatsApp's 2.22.19.11 beta, however, and a subsequent Reddit thread, call notifications will soon be available on at least two Wear OS 3 watches, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5.
This will include the ability to take the phone call directly from the wrist, with the WhatsApp icon appearing in order to differentiate it from a regular call.
Unfortunately, though news of the incoming functionality is undoubtedly a positive (and long overdue), other Wear OS 3 watches, such as the Montblanc Summit 3 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, aren't yet confirmed to be receiving the feature.
We would expect all this to be ironed out over the coming weeks, so stay tuned to see just when the update begins rolling out to all Android phones.
Typically, a very similar iPhone update to WhatsApp will roll out shortly after, as well, so keep that in mind.
How we test
Conor moved to Wareable Media Group in 2017, initially covering all the latest developments in smartwatches, fitness trackers, and VR. He made a name for himself writing about trying out translation earbuds on a first date and cycling with a wearable airbag, as well as covering the industry’s latest releases.
Following a stint as Reviews Editor at Pocket-lint, Conor returned to Wareable Media Group in 2022 as Editor-at-Large. Conor has become a wearables expert, and helps people get more from their wearable tech, via Wareable's considerable how-to-based guides.
He has also contributed to British GQ, Wired, Metro, The Independent, and The Mirror.