Meta has officially unveiled its plan to make WhatsApp and Messenger interoperable with third-party apps, a move set to reshape the messaging landscape for users in the European Union. As part of its compliance with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), Meta will enable users to send and receive messages from apps like iMessage, Telegram, Google Messages, and Signal directly within WhatsApp and Messenger.
This update will allow users to choose between a unified inbox that combines all chats from various platforms or to keep third-party messages in a separate inbox. Meta has promised that this integration will include all the advanced features users have come to expect, such as reactions, direct replies, read receipts, and typing indicators, ensuring a seamless experience across platforms.
Additionally, Meta plans to support the creation of group chats across different apps starting in 2025, with video and voice calls to third-party platforms expected to arrive in 2027. This ambitious rollout is part of Meta’s broader goal to enhance communication and bring richer functionality to cross-platform messaging, setting it apart from basic compliance with the DMA’s requirements.
To maintain user privacy, Meta will require third-party apps to adopt the Signal Protocol, the same encryption standard used by WhatsApp, ensuring that conversations remain secure. Meta has also built in new notifications that will inform users when a new app becomes available for integration, giving them control over which platforms they wish to connect.
While this development marks a significant leap towards a more integrated messaging experience, it comes with challenges. Third-party apps will need to align with Meta’s privacy standards, and the full implementation of all features may take several years. Nonetheless, this move positions WhatsApp and Messenger at the forefront of the messaging revolution, giving users more flexibility, security, and control over their conversations across multiple apps.
Sara Sheehan is a talented software engineer with a passion for exploring various tech topics. She has a strong expertise in web development, software development, and digital marketing, continually expanding her knowledge in these areas. Sara is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving tech industry, always seeking out new challenges and opportunities to grow her skill set.