Apple’s latest iOS 18.2 update brings a game-changing feature for iPhone users: the ability to set third-party apps as the default for calls and messages.

WhatsApp has now rolled out an update to support this feature, allowing users to make WhatsApp their primary communication app.

How to set WhatsApp as default for calls and messages

With this update, when you tap on a phone number, your iPhone can now use WhatsApp to make the call instead of Apple’s Phone app. Similarly, messages can be sent via WhatsApp by default instead of iMessage.

To enable this:

Update your iPhone to iOS 18.2.
Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps on your iPhone.
Select WhatsApp as your default app for calls and messaging.

Apple’s EU-compliant changes now available for everyone

Initially, Apple introduced this feature in response to European Union regulations requiring greater flexibility in default app settings. However, Apple has now extended this functionality to users worldwide.

Besides calls and messages, iOS 18.2 also allows users to set default apps for:

Email
Web browsing
Call filtering
Translations
Password management
Payments (in select regions)
Keyboards
Maps (EU users only)

Update WhatsApp to access the new feature

The feature is rolling out to all WhatsApp users, not just beta testers. Ensure your WhatsApp app is updated to the latest version to start using it as your default calling and messaging app.