Firm finally opens up its web app to iPhone users

WhatsApp has announced the desktop version of its messaging app is now compatible with Apple's iOS operating system.

The service has been available on Google Chrome since the start of this year, but couldn't be used by those with an iPhone due to 'Apple platform limitations.'

The latest release means Apple users can now link the app with their computers.

To use the service, Whatsapp must be updated to the latest release.

Open the app, click on 'Settings' and then choose 'Whatsapp Web'. 

Next, visit web.whatsapp.com in Google Chrome and scan the QR code to chat with friends from your computer.

'Our web client is simply an extension of your phone,' Whatsapp wrote on its blog.

'The web browser mirrors conversations and messages from your mobile device - this means all of your messages still live on your phone.'

Facebook in October completed its purchase of WhatsApp in a stock-and-cash deal, highlighting the stunning growth of mobile messaging.

Whatsapp's competitors have been lining up to take its share of the market in recent months.

In July, Microsoft revealed a new app designed to let users chat without having to send email.

Set to compete against Facebook's Messenger, WhatsApp and the plethora of other services, Microsoft hopes the Send app will appeal to users of its Office software.

So far the app has only been released as a free iPhone app, but other platforms are expected to follow it it is a success.

And last week, Twitter announced that it was scrapping its 140-character limit on direct messages. 

The feature is rolling out globally, with Twitter saying the aim is to allow users to 'express themselves' more freely.

The micro-blogging site's co-founder, Jack Dorsey, recently admitted the service was not doing well enough when it came to making the site better for users and attracting new interest.

(dailymail.co.uk)