WhatsApp is a popular messaging app owned by Meta (formerly Facebook) that allows users to send messages, photos, videos, documents, voice messages and make voice and video calls over the internet. It is available for smartphones like iPhones and Android phones as well as desktop computers. WhatsApp uses an internet connection to send messages and media between users instead of relying on a mobile carrier’s messaging plan.
WhatsApp was created in 2009 by Brian Acton and Jan Koum, former employees of Yahoo. It was acquired by Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion making it Facebook’s largest acquisition to date. Since then, WhatsApp has grown to over 2 billion users worldwide making it the most popular messaging app globally.
Some key features of WhatsApp include:
- Messaging – Send text messages, photos, videos and documents for free.
- Voice and Video Calls – Make high-quality voice and video calls over WiFi or mobile data.
- Groups – Create groups to message up to 256 people at once.
- Stories – Share photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.
- Encryption – Messages and calls are secured with end-to-end encryption.
WhatsApp is available as a mobile app for iOS and Android devices as well as a desktop app for Windows and macOS computers. The apps share a common design and interface which allow seamless messaging across platforms.
There are several unofficial or modified versions of WhatsApp apps available from third-parties. However, for privacy and security reasons, it is recommended to only use the official WhatsApp app provided by WhatsApp/Facebook.
Distinguishing the Official WhatsApp App
Here are some tips to identify the official WhatsApp app:
On iOS
The official WhatsApp app for iOS can be downloaded from the Apple App Store. Key indicators it is the official app include:
- Publisher listed as “WhatsApp Inc.”
- Verified blue checkmark next to the publisher name
- “Offers In-App Purchases” label under the app name.
- App version number beginning with 2.22.xx.xx indicating it is the latest version.
The current latest version of the official iOS app is 2.22.24.77.
On Android
The official WhatsApp app for Android can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. Indicators it is the legit app are:
- Publisher listed as “WhatsApp Inc.”
- Verified green checkmark next to publisher name
- “Offers in-app purchases” displayed under the Install button
- App version number beginning with 2.22.xx.x indicating it is up-to-date.
The latest version on Android is 2.22.24.74.
On Windows/macOS
The official desktop apps for Windows and macOS can be downloaded directly from the WhatsApp website at www.whatsapp.com. Signs it’s the real app:
- Downloaded from www.whatsapp.com
- Version number matches latest mobile app version
- Green “Verified” label next to publisher “WhatsApp Inc.” in app
The desktop apps automatically sync with the mobile apps when linked using the QR code pairing process.
Features of the Official App
The official WhatsApp app comes fully packed with all the messaging features users expect. Some highlights include:
Messaging
- Text messages
- Photo sharing
- Video sharing
- Document sharing (PDFs, docs, spreadsheets, slideshows)
- Voice messages
- Group messaging for up to 256 people
- End-to-end encryption
Calling
- HD voice calls
- Group voice calls with up to 8 participants
- Video calls
- Group video calls with up to 8 people
- Call encryption
Organizational Features
- Favorites – Pin frequently messaged contacts to the top
- Mute – Mute notifications from groups or individuals
- Archived chats – Organize and store old chats
- Color coding – Color code your chats and contacts
- Chat search – Search through all your messages
User Interface
- Dark mode
- Customizable chat wallpapers
- Custom notifications
- Media auto-download settings
- Pin conversations
- Fingerprint lock
How the Official App Stands Out
The official WhatsApp app stands out from modified or fake versions in the following ways:
No Ads
The official app has no banner ads or interstitial ads that disrupt the messaging experience. Fake apps may contain annoying popup, clickbait or banner ads.
Reliability
The official app is maintained by WhatsApp developers delivering a bug-free, crash-free experience. Unofficial apps may have glitches and stability issues.
Full Feature Set
Only the real app offers the full suite of WhatsApp’s features. Fake apps often lack features like voice/video calling, groups, and stories.
Seamless Multi-Device Sync
The official desktop and web apps sync perfectly with the mobile apps retaining full functionality. Clone apps may have limited or buggy syncing.
Frequent Updates
The official app sees frequent updates to fix bugs, add features, and improve performance. Fake apps are rarely updated.
Privacy & Security
The official app implements industry-standard encryption and privacy protections keeping user data secure. Clone apps lack proper encryption exposing user data to risk.
Identifying Fake or Modified WhatsApp Apps
Here are some telltale signs an app may be an unofficial modified version of WhatsApp:
- App has a slightly different name e.g. “WhatsApp Plus”, “GB WhatsApp”, “Fouad WhatsApp”
- App requires sideloading/manual install instead of install from official app store
- No verified publisher information
- Publisher name is suspicious or unknown
- App has extra unofficial features like hiding last seen, blue ticks, reading receipts
- App is ad-supported
- App has old or inconsistent version numbering
- Lack of multi-device syncing support
- Buggy or unstable performance
Users are advised to avoid such apps as they may violate WhatsApp’s terms leading to bans. They also have privacy risks, lack of support, unstable performance and missing features.
Why Use the Official WhatsApp App
Here are key reasons to use the legitimate WhatsApp app:
- Avoid account bans – Using unofficial apps may lead to permanent suspension.
- Access full features – Only official app has complete feature set.
- No ads – Unofficial apps often contain annoying banner/pop-up ads.
- Better security – Official app uses end-to-end encryption to protect chats.
- App stability – Official app undergoes rigorous testing for best performance.
- Customer support – Ability to directly contact WhatsApp for support if needed.
- Frequent updates – Official app improves continuously with new updates.
Comparison of Official vs Unofficial Apps
| Feature | Official WhatsApp App | Unofficial/Modified Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging Features | All features included | Some features may be missing |
| Calling Features | Voice and video calling supported | Calling features may not work |
| Multi-Device Support | Seamless syncing between devices | No sync or limited sync |
| App Stability | Reliable and bug-free | May have bugs and crash often |
| Privacy & Security | End-to-end encrypted chats | Weak or no encryption |
| Advertisements | No ads | May contain annoying popup/banner ads |
Conclusion
To summarize, the official WhatsApp messenger app provides the full suite of messaging features people expect in a secure, reliable, and ad-free experience. It can be easily identified by the verified WhatsApp Inc. publisher on iOS and Android app stores.
Unofficial or modified WhatsApp apps may seem attractive but involve risks like account bans, instability, missing features, and privacy vulnerabilities. For the best WhatsApp experience, it is recommended to always download the app from the official platform for your device and avoid third-party versions.