WhatsApp is testing an official app for use on Apple's iPads, so the tablets' owners can use the messenger service without workarounds.

WhatsApp BetaInfo says the iPad version of the app has a similar login process, requiring users to register an account using a phone number. This suggests the iPad needs to be a cellular-enabled model with a SIM card.

Previously, like computer users, iPad owners would have to use WhatsApp Web to view their phone's chats on a different device.

"WhatsApp for iPad has exactly the same features of the main (mobile) app, but with an iPad UI compatibility," notes WABetaInfo.

The new chat screen has a split screen style similar to WhatsApp Web, where users can see the chats they have ongoing with multiple users on the left, and a single conversation thread with one user or group on the right.

As an iOS app, WhatsApp for iPad supports the same features as its iPhone equivalent, including Voice Calls and Touch ID.

However, the iPad version only has a tab for Chats, Status and Calls, but not a Camera tab. This means users can share text statuses, but not photos, like on Instagram or Facebook stories.

WABetaInfo says iPad support is not widely available yet and will likely come with the next round of beta updates for those on the TestFlight programme.

The site itself received an invite to view the app.