After WhatsApp for iPad, Snapchat comes to Apple Watch: Here is what you can do with it
Snapchat is expanding its reach beyond phones and browsers, now landing on users' wrists with its newly launched Apple Watch app. But before you get too excited, no, you won't be snapping selfies or scrolling through Stories just yet. This isn't Snapchat in its usual flashy form. Instead, it's a pared-down version focused on messaging, offering a simple yet effective way to stay in touch without pulling your phone out of your pocket.advertisementRather than replicating the full Snapchat experience, the Apple Watch app zeroes in on communication. Users can preview incoming messages directly on the Watch's screen, a function that already existed through iPhone notification mirroring. However, Snapchat's new app brings added interactivity: you can now respond to chats straight from your wrist.Snapchat comes to Apple Watch: Everything it can do While there are no dog filters yet, you can text on your wrist. Replies can be typed using the Watch's tiny on-screen keyboard, scribbled out letter by letter, or dictated using voice-to-text. It may not sound groundbreaking, but for users who want to stay connected quickly and discreetly, say, during a meeting or while on the move, it's a convenient option.
This new app joins Snapchat's existing lineup across mobile, tablet, and desktop, signalling the platform's growing ambition to exist on all user surfaces. In a blog post, Snapchat explained, 'The number of devices we use in our daily lives has grown. Already we're seeing our community enjoy using Snapchat across surfaces, including tablets and the web, in addition to mobile, and this builds on our commitment to making Snapchat available across all the devices you use, including wearables.'advertisementIn this sense, the Watch app isn't just a novelty, it's part of a strategic shift towards cross-device engagement, something many tech companies are doubling down on.The timing of Snapchat's Watch debut is notable, especially as several tech giants have been quietly pulling back from the Apple Watch platform. Over the past few years, popular apps like Instagram, Slack, Lyft, Uber, Trello, Evernote, and Amazon have all discontinued their Apple Watch apps, citing low usage or strategic realignment.In contrast, Snapchat's arrival brings a fresh layer of relevance to the smartwatch. It might not offer filters or camera functions, but it's a reminder that wearables can still serve a meaningful role in daily digital communication.WhatsApp app on iPadIt is worth noting that Apple has been partnering with social media apps. For instance, the WhatsApp app is now available on iPad. Up until now, those of us using iPads had little choice but to make do with WhatsApp Web. That's finally changed. The app now supports both video and voice calls, accommodating up to 32 participants, perfect for large group chats or virtual catch-ups. It also enables the use of both the front and rear cameras, and even allows screen sharing during calls, adding a layer of versatility previously missing.What truly sets the new iPad version apart, however, is how well it integrates with iPadOS. It makes full use of multitasking tools like Stage Manager, Split View, and Slide Over. This means users can effortlessly keep WhatsApp open alongside other apps—chatting with friends while browsing the web, staying on a call while coordinating a trip, or replying to messages without leaving their inbox. In short, no more frustrating app-switching—it's now a much smoother, more productive experience on the iPad.
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