Meta is making a significant move in the messaging world with its latest update for WhatsApp and Messenger, designed to enhance user experience and meet regulatory demands.
This new feature, rolling out first to users in the European Union, represents a substantial shift in how these platforms handle third-party messaging apps. In response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Meta is introducing a flexible system that allows users to merge messages from WhatsApp, Messenger, and supported third-party apps into a single inbox or keep them separate.
The update brings with it advanced notifications that will alert users when they can connect chats from newly supported third-party apps. This feature aims to simplify the user experience, ensuring that integrating new messaging services is straightforward and intuitive. Meta is not just stopping at basic interoperability; it is enhancing the messaging experience with rich features. Users will benefit from reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts, making third-party conversations as interactive and informative as those on native Meta platforms.
Looking ahead, Meta has plans to expand these capabilities further. By 2025, users will have the option to create groups that include contacts from third-party chat apps. This move will break down existing barriers between different messaging platforms and foster a more cohesive communication environment. Furthermore, Meta has announced that it will introduce support for third-party video and voice calls by 2027, promising even greater integration and functionality.
This initiative is a direct response to Meta’s designation as a “digital gatekeeper” under the EU’s DMA. This designation requires Meta to ensure that its messaging services, including WhatsApp and Messenger, are interoperable with other major messaging apps such as iMessage, Telegram, and Signal. To maintain privacy and security, Meta will enforce the use of the Signal Protocol, a standard for end-to-end encryption, for all third-party integrations. The protocol will be made available to partners, ensuring that all communications remain secure and private.
Meta’s update represents a major shift towards a more interconnected messaging ecosystem. By allowing WhatsApp and Messenger to work with other platforms, Meta is setting a new standard for how messaging apps interact with each other. This development not only enhances user convenience but also promotes fair competition in the tech industry.
