It has been rumored that WhatsApp has been working on multi device support since some time. Will Cathcart, the head of WhatsApp, had confirmed that this feature would be rolling out soon for the users.
WhatsApp had previously posted a blog on he details of multi device support and stated that it had already unlocked this feature for only some selected users. Unlike now, after this feature is available for all, users could use the app in multiple devices without requiring an active internet connection. It would also bring out the feature of using the app independently on each companion device when connected.
“With this new capability, you can now use WhatsApp on your phone and up to four other nonphone devices simultaneously — even if your phone battery is dead. Each companion device will connect to your WhatsApp independently while maintaining the same level of privacy and security through end-to-end encryption that people who use WhatsApp have come to expect. Importantly, we have developed new technologies to maintain end-to-end encryption while still managing to sync your data — such as contact names, chat archives, starred messages, and more — across devices.“
But, this new upgradation would come out with some minor drawbacks such as it would restrict calling or messaging to other contacts via web or portal or desktop with an older version of WhatsApp; performance and quality could be impacted; and other minor bugs.
Multi device is reported to be supported in 4 additional devices other than your phone, meaning you can have the same account on 2 different devices but on a single phone only.
WhatsApp’s multi device feature is currently said to be available only some highlighted WhatsApp beta users and it is expected that the universal roll out will be sooner even though the official dates and announcement is unknown still.
