WhatsApp has now introduced multi-device support for all users on iOS and Android. This allows WhatsApp to run on up to four linked devices without having to connect a smartphone.
To enable multi-device support, users need to join the multi-device beta. To do this, launch WhatsApp on the iPhone, then select Settings and navigate to the Linked Devices section. Select Multi-Device Beta and then tap Join Beta. Once that's done, you can start linking your devices. Once your devices are linked, you can send and receive messages using the WhatsApp desktop app or the web-based service. Your phone no longer needs to stay online to do this, cool right?
WhatsApp multi-device support: What about end-to-end encryption?
Both personal calls and messages remain end-to-end encrypted across devices. The company has confirmed. By the way, if you don't use your phone for more than 14 days, the connection between your devices will be disconnected. Since the feature is still in beta, WhatsApp points out that the performance and quality of the service may be affected.

Important: Users can leave the beta at any time. WhatsApp is reportedly working on a native iPad version of the app. However, this application requires multi-device support. This means that WhatsApp for the iPad seems to be one step closer. When the app will finally be released remains to be seen. (Photo by Denys Prykhodov / Bigstockphoto)