Apple is making the iPhone more flexible than ever. With iOS 18.2, users can now choose third-party apps as their default options for calling and messaging—and WhatsApp is among the first apps to take advantage of this change.
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The latest WhatsApp version 25.8.74 introduces support for Apple's new default app APIs, allowing users to replace the Phone and Messages apps with WhatsApp for supported actions. If you rely on WhatsApp for daily communication, this update can make messaging and calling much more seamless.
WhatsApp Now Works as a Default Calling and Messaging App
With iOS 18.2, Apple introduced new categories for default apps, giving users more control over their iPhone experience. These categories include:
- Messaging
- Calling
- Browser
- Passwords & Codes
- Call Filtering
- Keyboards
Previously, iPhone users could only use Apple's built-in Phone and Messages apps as the default. Now, WhatsApp supports the new API, making it possible to set it as the preferred app for both calling and messaging.
How to Set WhatsApp as the Default App on iPhone
To use this feature, make sure your iPhone is running iOS 18.2 or later and that you have updated WhatsApp to version 25.8.74 or newer from the App Store.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Tap Apps.
- Select Default Apps.
- Tap Messaging and choose WhatsApp.
- Go back and tap Calling.
- Select WhatsApp as your default calling app.
If you don't see the option yet, the feature may still be rolling out gradually.
What Changes After Setting WhatsApp as Default?
Once WhatsApp becomes your default calling and messaging app, several everyday actions will automatically use WhatsApp instead of Apple's built-in apps.
WhatsApp Becomes the Default for Calls
When you tap a phone number from Contacts, Safari, Notes, or another supported app, your iPhone will prioritize WhatsApp for voice calls. Instead of placing a traditional cellular call, WhatsApp will initiate an internet-based call.
Messages Open in WhatsApp
Tapping a phone number to send a message will now launch WhatsApp instead of iMessage or SMS, making conversations quicker for users who already communicate through the platform.
Call History Still Works Differently
The Recents tab in the Phone app continues to behave as before. Tapping a regular phone call in your call history still places a standard cellular call. To call someone through WhatsApp, you'll need to open their contact card and choose the number from there unless the previous call was already made through WhatsApp.
Incoming Calls and SMS Remain Unchanged
This update doesn't replace Apple's Phone or Messages apps completely. Regular phone calls and SMS messages will continue to arrive through the default iPhone apps, while WhatsApp calls and chats will continue to appear inside WhatsApp.
Why This Update Matters
Apple's decision to allow third-party apps as defaults marks one of the biggest usability improvements for iPhone users in recent years. For millions of people who rely on WhatsApp as their primary communication app, the experience becomes more natural and eliminates the need to manually switch between apps.
Whether you're calling friends, sending quick messages, or sharing updates, WhatsApp can now handle many of those actions directly from your iPhone, making communication faster and more convenient.
Final Thoughts
The ability to set WhatsApp as the default calling and messaging app gives iPhone users greater freedom to customize how they communicate. As Apple continues opening iOS to third-party developers, users can expect even more personalization options in future updates.
If you frequently use WhatsApp over traditional calls and SMS, updating to the latest version and enabling this feature is well worth trying.