Meta has officially begun rolling out ads on WhatsApp, ending over a decade of an ad-free experience since its acquisition in 2014. The advertisements will appear only in the Updates tab, specifically within the Status feature, which lets users share photos, videos, and text updates that disappear after 24 hours—similar to Instagram Stories.

Where Ads Will Appear

• Ads will be visible exclusively in the Status section of the Updates tab, keeping personal and group chats ad-free.
• Businesses can use these ads to encourage users to interact via WhatsApp messaging.
• Meta is also introducing paid channel subscriptions and promoted channels within the Updates tab, allowing users to access premium content and discover new channels more easily.

Privacy and Targeting

Meta has emphasized that private messages, calls, and group chats will remain end-to-end encrypted and free from advertising. Ads will be personalized using limited, non-sensitive data such as location, language, followed channels, and ad interactions. Users can further manage ad preferences if they link WhatsApp to Meta’s Accounts Center.

User and Business Impact

The move marks a major shift for WhatsApp, which has long resisted advertising to preserve a clean messaging experience. While some users have criticized the change, Meta sees this as a significant opportunity to monetize WhatsApp’s 3 billion users and over 200 million businesses on the platform.

In summary, WhatsApp’s new ads will be confined to the Updates tab, ensuring personal messaging remains private and uninterrupted, while opening new monetization avenues for Meta and businesses.

After years of anticipation, WhatsApp has officially launched a dedicated app for the iPad, finally giving users a seamless and optimized messaging experience on Apple’s popular tablet. Previously, iPad users had to rely on the web version, which lacked many features and was not designed for the larger screen. Now, with the arrival of WhatsApp for iPad, users can enjoy all the core messaging and calling features in a native, iPadOS-optimized environment.

How to Get Started with WhatsApp on iPad

Setting up WhatsApp on your iPad is straightforward. Simply download the app from the App Store, open it, and scan the displayed QR code using your smartphone’s WhatsApp app to link your account. This process mirrors the setup for WhatsApp Web and Desktop, ensuring your chats, calls, and media stay in sync across devices. The iPad app supports all key features, including individual and group chats, Communities, Channels, and both audio and video calls for up to 32 participants.

Enhanced Features and Multitasking

WhatsApp for iPad is designed to take full advantage of the tablet’s capabilities. It features a two-column layout, with recent chats on the left and active conversations on the right, making multitasking easier and more intuitive. The app supports iPadOS multitasking features such as Split View, Slide Over, and Stage Manager (on compatible models), allowing users to keep WhatsApp open while using other apps. Additionally, it works seamlessly with accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, boosting productivity and creativity.

Privacy and Security

All messages, calls, and media remain protected with WhatsApp’s industry-leading end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy and security across all linked devices. The iPad app also includes privacy features like chat lock, giving users peace of mind even if they share their device with others.

Conclusion

The launch of WhatsApp on iPad marks a significant milestone for Meta and its users. With a native, feature-rich app designed for the iPad’s larger screen and advanced multitasking capabilities, WhatsApp is now more accessible and convenient than ever for iPad owners worldwide. This move also signals Meta’s commitment to expanding its ecosystem, with rumors suggesting Instagram may be next in line for a dedicated iPad app. For now, WhatsApp on iPad stands as a welcome upgrade, enhancing how millions stay connected.

Adopt AI, a San Jose and Bengaluru-based agentic AI startup, has raised $6 million in seed funding led by Elevation Capital, with participation from Foster Ventures, Powerhouse Ventures, Darkmode Ventures, and angel investors. The funding will be used to expand the company’s engineering and product teams and to scale enterprise deployments of its automation platform.

Founded by Deepak Anchala, Rahul Bhattacharya, and Anirudh Badam, Adopt AI offers a platform that lets businesses automate workflows and execute complex actions using natural language commands, without needing to rebuild existing systems. Its core products include a no-code Agent Builder, which allows companies to quickly create and deploy AI-driven conversational interfaces, and Agentic Experience, which replaces traditional user interfaces with text-based commands.

The startup’s technology is aimed at SaaS and B2C companies in sectors like banking and healthcare, helping them rapidly integrate intelligent agent capabilities into their applications. Adopt AI’s team includes engineers from Microsoft and Google, with Chief AI Officer Anirudh Badam bringing over a decade of AI experience from Microsoft.

The company has also launched an Early Access Program to let businesses pilot its automation solution and collaborate on new use cases.