WhatsApp calls might be coming to Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup soon. A new beta version of WhatsApp is now making the rounds, and several Galaxy Watch users say that the new version enables WhatsApp calls directly on the smartwatch.
To be precise, the latest beta version is available for the WhatsApp smartphone app. The update (and app) is not available for Wear OS 3 smartwatches directly, but when installed on connected smartphones, it enables remote calls on wrist wearables running Wear OS 3, including the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 5.
Even so, this new feature’s behavior differs depending on the smartwatch model that’s connected to the smartphone running the latest WhatsApp beta version (2.22.19.11).
Galaxy Watch 5 users get a different call screen
Although both the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 5 lineups seemingly get the same functionality thanks to this WhatsApp beta update, they’re also getting different call screen designs for reasons unknown. (via Reddit)
On the Galaxy Watch series, the WhatsApp call screen has a black background and the app’s logo below the caller ID. However, on the Galaxy Watch 5, the call screen for WhatsApp seems to be the same as the standard One UI call screen. (via 9to5Google) It remains to be seen how everything works out in the end once the feature exits the beta testing phases.
The WhatsApp beta update to version 2.22.19.11 is rolling out gradually, and official availability details are missing. Plus, there’s no telling if the next public update will get this WhatsApp calling feature. What is certain is that Meta developers are at least entertaining the idea of implementing this tool for smartwatch owners, so chances are that WhatsApp calls will be coming to Wear OS 3 smartwatches — including the Samsung Galaxy Watch family of devices — sooner rather than later.
