A dual shift for WhatsApp: smoother tablet experience, rising user concerns
WhatsApp is back in the spotlight for two very different reasons. While iPad users finally get a native app with rich features tailored to bigger screens, a troubling new survey reveals that nearly half of Indian users have encountered scam messages on the platform. From user-focused upgrades to rising cybercrime, the latest WhatsApp developments reflect both innovation and vulnerability.
WhatsApp launches iPad app with advanced features
The launch of WhatsApp’s dedicated iPad app marks a milestone for Apple users. For years, iPad owners had to rely on the web version of the messaging platform, often syncing it awkwardly with their smartphones. Now, the new app is available for direct download from the Apple App Store, offering a seamless interface optimized for large displays.
This iPad version is built to complement iPadOS features. It supports multitasking tools like Split View and Stage Manager, allowing users to chat while browsing the web, attending meetings, or taking notes. The app also works smoothly with accessories like the Apple Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil, enhancing productivity.
The messaging experience has also been upgraded. WhatsApp on iPad now allows users to make voice and video calls with up to 32 participants, a feature previously unavailable in the web version. Tools like screen sharing and front/rear camera switching are also included, making it ideal for both casual and professional communication.
But cyber scams loom large over WhatsApp users in India
As WhatsApp improves user experience, a darker reality is unfolding among its user base in India. A recent survey by LocalCircles shows that 42% of users have received fake job offers through the app. These messages often promise work-from-home opportunities or part-time gigs, but demand payment upfront — a classic scam tactic.
The data comes from over 22,000 respondents across 312 districts. Job frauds weren’t the only issue. Many reported lottery scams, impersonation, QR code frauds, and OTP-based account hijacks. While 45% received false prize or celebrity messages, 21% were targeted with malicious links promising cash rewards.
A growing concern is impersonation. 12% of people said scammers used their names and photos to trick others, while 35% reported that their contacts had been targeted similarly. These scammers frequently use international WhatsApp numbers to escape local scrutiny, making detection harder.
The real-world impact is serious. A man in Mumbai lost ₹7.31 crore to fraudsters posing as stock market experts. In Kolkata, a dentist was tricked by a scammer pretending to be an army officer. Even high-profile individuals like Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma have faced impersonation attempts.
National alert as cross-border syndicates rise
The Union Home Ministry has flagged a steady rise in online fraud driven by global syndicates. These criminals now use WhatsApp as a key tool, given the app’s perceived trustworthiness and widespread use in India.
Authorities report that “digital arrests” are becoming more common — a scheme where fraudsters pose as police or government officials and coerce users into transferring money. With the platform’s shift toward end-to-end encryption and international use, scam operations have grown more sophisticated and harder to track.
To counter this, LocalCircles has proposed several solutions to the government. These include tightening SIM card verification, enabling easier ways to report fraud, and using AI to detect suspicious activity on the platform. The survey results are being shared with key bodies like TRAI, DoT, MEITY, and the CCPA.
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A wake-up call for India’s digital citizens
WhatsApp is deeply integrated into the daily lives of millions, whether for personal chats, business communication, or group activities. The release of the iPad version shows Meta’s intent to make the app more versatile and useful. However, the increase in scams signals that more protections are urgently needed.
As Meta continues to expand WhatsApp’s capabilities, it’s clear that both users and regulators must stay vigilant. Enhanced convenience should not come at the cost of safety — and in a country like India, where digital adoption is rapid, the stakes are only getting higher.
