WhatsApp now lets Apple Watch users react with any emoji

9to5mac.com Sep 21, 2026

WhatsApp now lets Apple Watch users react with any emoji

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 21, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

WhatsApp has expanded its Apple Watch emoji reaction feature to include the full watchOS emoji library. After a limited rollout that offered only six preset reactions, the app now allows users to access all eight emoji categories—Smileys, Nature, Food, Activity, Travel, Objects, Symbols, and Flags—through a larger picker. Users can tap a message, hold for defaults, or open the full picker to select any emoji, including recent choices. The rollout is gradual, potentially taking several weeks to reach all users.

💡 Why It Matters

· By enabling full emoji reactions directly on the Apple Watch, WhatsApp removes the need to pull an iPhone for expressive replies, streamlining communication for on‑the‑go users.

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Apple’s iOS 27.2 beta 2 reveals new anti-snatching protections

Apple is testing a new anti‑theft feature, internally named “AutoLock,” in the iOS 27.2 beta 2 build. The system monitors sudden acceleration, loss of connection to a paired Apple Watch, prolonged network outage, and extended unlocked time to infer a snatch‑and‑grab event and automatically lock the iPhone before a thief can access it. Apple is also adding safeguards such as biometric checks, app‑activity analysis and a back‑off timer to reduce false positives. In the current beta the locking mechanism remains disabled; the software runs in the background to collect data for further refinement. The rollout follows reports that iPhones are a preferred target for thieves in cities like London, where “Apple picking” has become a known crime, and prompting industry attention worldwide.

💡 Locking phones the instant they’re snatched could cripple a lucrative theft market, forcing criminals to rethink targeting high‑value devices.

9to5mac.com · Sep 21

Security Bite: iOS 27 now lets apps ask your iPhone if you’re…

Apple released iOS 27, adding several security upgrades after a weak iOS 26. A standout addition is Impersonation Risk Detection, which allows apps to query the device about potential scams. The feature aims to identify phishing or fraudulent attempts by checking if the user is interacting with a deceptive interface. Apple’s update follows industry pressure for stronger mobile security, and the new tool could help users recognize scams before they act. The rollout is available to all iPhone users immediately.

💡 By giving apps a direct line to flag suspicious interactions, iOS 27 could reduce the success rate of phishing attacks, offering a proactive layer of protection that was previously absent on the platform.

appleinsider.com · Sep 21

Sensitive camera blades and thermal chainmail surface in iPhone 18 Pro teardown

iFixit’s teardown of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max reveals a new variable‑aperture camera that uses six ultra‑thin polymer blades driven magnetically, making repair impractical despite modular access. The front‑entry design mirrors the iPhone 17, with a glued display and a metal battery tray that can be released electrically. The logic board now hosts the A20 Pro on its outer layer and a thermal chainmail for cooling, while NAND storage is buried deeper, complicating data recovery. The device scores 7/10 for repairability, with the display as the main drawback.

💡 The camera’s magnetic blade system signals a shift toward more complex, less serviceable optics in flagship phones, raising concerns for repair technicians and consumers alike. The new thermal chainmail design also reflects Apple’s ongoing push for higher performance cooling in compact form factors.

9to5mac.com · Sep 21

iPhone 18 Pro Face ID bug causing system to crash and reboot…

Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max feature a new, smaller Face ID sensor hidden beneath the display. A software glitch in iOS 27 causes some devices to freeze and reboot after a failed Face ID attempt, particularly when unlocking protected apps such as Passwords or private Safari tabs. 9to5Mac replicated the issue on a European model, and users report the problem does not trigger from the lock screen. Apple has not yet confirmed a fix, but a software update is expected.

💡 The bug threatens user security by disrupting biometric authentication, a cornerstone of Apple’s privacy strategy. It also signals potential reliability gaps in the company’s latest hardware-software integration.

appleinsider.com · Sep 21

A clever workaround lets the iPhone 18 Pro Max skirt battery shipping…

Apple has introduced a workaround that allows the iPhone 18 Pro Max, whose battery exceeds the 20‑watt‑hour shipping threshold, to be shipped without permanent capacity loss. The company employs firmware that limits the battery to below 20 Wh during manufacturing and transit, automatically restoring full capacity once the device is activated. The phone also features a “Prepare to Ship” setting that temporarily reduces battery charge for repairs, trade‑ins, or returns, ensuring compliance with international shipping regulations. The iPhone 18 Pro Max offers up to 45 hours of video playback, surpassing its predecessor.

💡 This strategy lets Apple deliver a higher‑capacity battery while sidestepping stricter shipping rules, preserving user experience and regulatory compliance. It also sets a precedent for how manufacturers can navigate evolving battery‑transport regulations without compromising product performance.

9to5mac.com · Sep 21

John Ternus just gave the best defense yet for Vision Pro

Apple’s new CEO John Ternus defended the Vision Pro in a detailed interview with French outlet Clique TV, framing it as an early‑stage computing device rather than a commercial flop. He compared the headset to the nascent days of personal computers, noting that early adopters—surgeons, film producers, and other professionals—are already using it to enhance workflows. Ternus highlighted Vision Pro’s potential to unlock new use cases and emphasized Apple’s long‑term commitment to spatial computing.

💡 By positioning Vision Pro as a foundational technology, Apple signals a strategic shift toward niche, high‑impact applications that could redefine professional workflows and accelerate the broader adoption of spatial computing.