If you’re looking to have true native quick reply for WhatsApp on iOS, you may want to consider jailbreaking your iPhone. A new tweak from WhatsApp-centric developer iMokhles allows for quick reply from both the Lock screen and traditional banner notifications.
The cool thing about this tweak is that WhatsApp doesn’t even have to be launched for quick reply to function. I force-closed the WhatsApp app, sent myself a test message, and still received the message with quick reply in tact. If you’re a heavy WhatsApp user, then WAQuickReply ($2.99) is a compelling new package that you may want to consider.
Once you install WAQuickReply, you’ll need to reboot your iPhone and obtain a license. I always hate when developers go the licensing route, because frankly, it’s a pain in the butt. But I do understand why they do it, as the DRM can help cut down on casual pirates.
Once you get passed the activation part, the quick reply functions work seamlessly. When you receive a message, it is actionable via banner notifications or Lock screen notifications just like a typical iMessage or SMS message is.
WAQuickReply works by using a special backgrounding hack, which is able to keep WhatsApp backgrounded without causing much drain on battery life. Even after you reboot, you can still receive messages and engage in quick reply without launching the WhatsApp app.
I tried WAQuickReply, and it worked just as described. I did find the activation part a bit annoying, but once that was out of the way it was pretty smooth sailing.
What do you think? Are you a WhatsApp user and would you consider using this tweak? Sound off in the comments below.