TORONTO – Popular messaging service WhatsApp has released a web-based version of its app, but not every user will be able to access the new feature.
The WhatsApp web app allows users to send and receive free text, picture and voice messages — just like the mobile app — but only if using the Google Chrome web browser.
Additionally, the service will only be available to Android, Windows Phone or BlackBerry users. iPhone users are out of luck.
The problem is the service relies on a connection between the smartphone and the desktop web app in order to offer the end-to-end encryption service WhatsApp is known for. According to WhatsApp, Apple’s “platform limitations” prevent them from doing this on iOS.
READ MORE: WhatsApp adds end-to-end encryption for Android users
“Unfortunately for now, we will not be able to provide web client to our iOS users due to Apple platform limitations,” reads a WhatsApp blog post announcing the web app.
It’s not clear whether or not WhatsApp is working on iOS compatibility.
Those who can use the web app simply log on to WhatsApp using the Chrome browser and scan a QR code using the WhatsApp smartphone app. However, the phone must be connected to the Internet the entire time, which means users will want to be connected to Wi-Fi.
“Our web client is simply an extension of your phone: the web browser mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device — this means all of your messages still live on your phone,” reads the WhatsApp blog.
The Facebook-owned app has over 700 million users.
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