It seems like “new modes” are coming out for WhatsApp every week, making different changes to the app From changing the color to turning the app into a copy of the trending movie, they promise. There’s a red WhatsApp, a blue WhatsApp, and even a so-called “iPhone mode” for WhatsApp. But don’t be fooled: all these versions are mods that not only install malware on your Android but also put your WhatsApp account at risk.

WhatsApp is a cross-platform application that works on mobile phones, tablets and computers. Or on any device with an Internet browser, for which WhatsApp Web is almost universal. Of course, Meta’s curiosity keep layouts very different between platforms Although they have the same functions: the appearance of WhatsApp on Android differs noticeably compared to iPhone. And no, it is not possible to change this design. At least without risking the account.

WhatsApp’s “iPhone mode” is nothing more than an unauthorized modification

Initial configuration of WhatsApp mode

Over the years and with countless tests conducted on WhatsApp mods, none of our accounts have been suspended, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. As the company clearly states in its usage policy:

We know that WhatsApp has suspended numerous accounts after detecting the use of unauthorized third-party apps; for example GB WhatsApp, WhatsApp Plus and all its derivatives, including the so-called “iPhone mode”. Therefore, our advice is that you do not use such software, and not only because WhatsApp blocks phone numbers: all modes contain malware to a greater or lesser extent. Just import the APKs to VirusTotal.

After it became clear that the “iPhone mode” was nothing more than a modification of WhatsApp, Customized as standard with an interface to resemble Apple mobile phones, it was time to put both the said mod for Android and the original WhatsApp for iPhone face to face. Is using a clone GUI really worth taking all the security and privacy risks?

WhatsApp in “iPhone mode” and original WhatsApp for iPhone

On the left, original WhatsApp on Android; center, “iPhone mode” on Android; ok WhatsApp for iPhone

Since we had to test and compare to make the final decision, we went to download the “iPhone mod” of WhatsApp to not only install the APK but also analyze it. No surprise: The mod is infected with dangerous malware. It was no surprise to discover that the mod actually existed. Fouad Makand’s GBWhatsAppis a famous switcher that is behind most of the related APKs.

The mod has the same package name as the original WhatsApp; this requires uninstalling the official version to replace it with a modified version. Now just with this all chats may disappear; Even if the fake WhatsApp keeps the copy restored from the storage (as long as the official application was made before deletion). Additionally, since “iPhone mod” is nothing more than a theme, the mod requests access to the phone’s entire storage before launching the app.

Similarities between Android mode and WhatsApp application, submenu, icon view, text area in chats and not much more: the rest is basically the same. The “iPhone mode” offers the additions that Fouad has included in all of his modes; The issues mentioned above, such as expanded privacy options and disabling the settings that WhatsApp creates by default. In return, it adds advertising to an app it doesn’t currently officially own.

The improvements brought by the “iPhone mode” do not compensate for the security and privacy risks posed by using the WhatsApp modification. But every user is free to do what he wants: Our recommendation is to avoid APKs that promise functions that WhatsApp does not have as standard.

Xataka on Android | I’ve been using the “banned” WhatsApp Plus for three weeks and they haven’t banned my account (yet)