WhatsApp

What is WhatsApp and who makes it?

WhatsApp is a messaging app published by WhatsApp LLC. It is classed as a communication app on Google Play and is used to chat one-on-one, in group conversations, and through voice and video calls.

The app has been installed more than 12 billion times on Android, and it holds a 4.6 out of 5 average rating from over 246 million ratings on Google Play.

How does WhatsApp work on Android?

You sign up with a phone number and the app checks your device contacts to show which people already use it. Messages travel over the internet, so a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection is needed for normal use.

Chats can include text, photos, videos, documents, and voice notes. Calls and group chats are part of the same app, so you do not need a separate tool for them.

What's new in version 2.26.41.77?

The latest update, dated 2026-10-24, brings a refreshed visual style with a more expressive look.

Chat lists gain swipe gestures for quick actions such as pinning, archiving, and marking a chat as unread. You can also react to a message with any emoji rather than a fixed set. Searching for contacts and groups is meant to be faster. Some of these changes arrive gradually over several weeks, so you may not see them right away.

Is WhatsApp free, and does it have ads or in-app purchases?

The app is free to download from Google Play and does not show ads. It does offer in-app purchases, so optional paid items may be available inside the app.

Check the price shown in the store listing before you install, since offers and availability can change.

Pros and cons of WhatsApp

On the plus side, the app is free, ad-free, widely used, and easy to use with people you already know. Its high rating reflects broad satisfaction among a very large user base.

On the downside, it requires a phone number to register and an internet connection for most messaging. Optional in-app purchases are available, and the app takes up storage space on your device.

Who is WhatsApp best for?

WhatsApp suits anyone who wants to keep in touch with friends, family, or colleagues across a phone with a data plan or Wi-Fi. It is a practical choice for group coordination and international contact.

People who want a fully offline app, or who do not want to share a phone number, may need a different option.