WhatsApp seems to be trialing cross-application messaging, but it’s not an open feature just yet.
WhatsApp is at long last assessing the capability for users to converse with others across different applications, signifying one of its most significant updates in recent times.
The functionality, discovered by the team at WABetaInfo in the newest Android beta (version 2.25.33.8), presents what’s termed “Third-party chats.” This feature permits you to message individuals who aren’t even utilizing WhatsApp without needing to switch to another messaging platform.
Beta testers situated in Europe were the first to experience this new capability. It introduces a new switch under Settings > Account > Third-party chats. Once activated, you will be able to send and receive texts, images, videos, voice notes, and documents from individuals who are using some of the prominent messaging applications aside from WhatsApp.
Custom chat interface
The Meta-owned service allows you to decide how these messages are displayed. You can integrate them into your standard chats or keep them organized in a distinct section labeled “Third-party chats.”
This modification follows the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that major services, or “gatekeepers,” like Meta, ensure compatibility with competing platforms.
Meta has been diligently working for months to implement this while striving to maintain WhatsApp’s privacy and encryption protocols. This is quite a challenge, as other applications may utilize different protocols or security frameworks.
Initial constraints
Nevertheless, as encouraging as it appears, there are a few limitations. Currently, only one external application — BirdyChat — is seemingly allowed to interface with WhatsApp in this preliminary testing phase. The implementation is also confined to users within the European region, at least for the time being, which is logical as that’s where the DMA regulations are in effect.
Some of WhatsApp’s signature features will not be accessible in these third-party chats, either. This implies that items such as stickers, status updates, and disappearing messages are not accessible outside the official app.
There are also various privacy issues to consider. For instance, if you block someone on WhatsApp, they may still contact you via another application unless that app also blocks them. The only personal information shared is your phone number.
For the majority of users, this trial may provide a glimpse into the future of messaging, where you aren’t constrained by brand allegiance. If Meta is successful, WhatsApp could become the first significant messaging application to facilitate genuine cross-platform communication.
