How did Whatsapp app removed app's compatibili

Question

I have noticed using different applications that, even when you remove the iPad compatibility from xcode (see picture below)

the app will still show that is compatible with iPad in the iTunes app page (see picture below):

Therefore, I am wondering, how did Whatsapp removed the iPad compatibility from it's app? (see image below):

Thank you

Answer 1

Because WhatsApp does not work without telephony (the app requires the phone number) they did use telephony as UIRequiredDeviceCapabilities value in their info-plist. This limits the app to devices that are designated as telephones. Which currently covers only iPhones, so the app won't work on iPads and iPods.

Generally you can't do that, Apple does not allow to arbitrary set UIRequiredDeviceCapabilities. If your app really requires telephony support you can of course use the key.