Yes. WhatsApp is completely free on macOS, with no subscription fees.
One of the biggest upgrades is the introduction of group calls directly from your Mac. You can now connect with up to and up to 32 people on an audio call . The calls benefit from end-to-end encryption and have no time limits, just like on your phone. During a video call, you can also share your screen, making it perfect for collaboration or showing something to a group.
, those on High Sierra must rely on alternative methods or older versions, which significantly impacts the user experience. Review: WhatsApp on macOS 10.13.6 Overall Rating: 2.5 / 5 (Limited by OS compatibility) Essential Functionality: Using the browser-based WhatsApp Web
Why use the native 10136 app over the browser version?
WhatsApp frequently updates its backend, causing old app versions to stop functioning completely. Summary Checklist for High Sierra Users ✅ Best Solution: WhatsApp Web ✅ Best App Feel: Franz or Safari "Add to Dock" ❌ Avoid: Searching for legacy .dmg files. whatsapp for macos 10136
The version of WhatsApp you can use on your Mac today is fundamentally different from the one available just a few years ago. The older app was essentially a wrapper for the WhatsApp Web experience, built using a technology called Electron. This often led to sluggish performance and high battery drain.
Even if you find an old client version that installs successfully, WhatsApp uses strict server-side version verification. Within a few minutes of opening, a roadblock notification will appear requiring an update before you can view any messages.
A: Yes, the app is completely free to download and use. End-to-end encryption is included at no cost.
Point your phone camera at the QR code displayed on your Mac screen. Method 2: Turn WhatsApp Web into a "Desktop App" You can now connect with up to and
macOS sometimes revokes permissions after a major update.
If you experience crashes or sluggish behavior:
Last Updated: Q4 2025. Build 10136 verified for macOS Sonoma & Sequoia.
While the modern app is very stable, you might occasionally encounter a minor issue. Here's how to fix them: , those on High Sierra must rely on
Point your phone camera at the Mac screen to scan the .
Meta has been on a relentless quest to replace the aging Electron-based WhatsApp Web wrappers with native, high-performance desktop applications. For macOS users, the turning point arrived with the Catalyst version, followed swiftly by a fully native app.
Since version 10083, there have been substantial changes. Here is the official and community-sourced changelog for v10136.
If you are stuck on macOS 10.13.6, here is how you can still use WhatsApp on your Mac: 1. Use WhatsApp Web (Best Workaround)
Be cautious of websites offering "Legacy WhatsApp DMG" downloads. These are often outdated, unsupported, and can pose significant security risks to your data and device. Download WhatsApp for Desktop