Meta is preparing to make significant changes to both WhatsApp and Messenger, with plans to introduce support for third-party chat applications. This move is expected to align with European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major tech platforms to be more open and interoperable with other services. The update will enable users to communicate with individuals across different chat platforms without being confined to Meta’s ecosystem alone.
The upcoming integration will allow WhatsApp and Messenger users to interact seamlessly with people using other third-party messaging apps. This could dramatically change the messaging landscape by fostering more openness between platforms that traditionally operated within closed systems. The initiative aims to reduce user dependence on specific apps and enable more freedom of communication, which is a central focus of the DMA.
Additionally, this new support for third-party apps could enhance competition in the messaging space, allowing smaller apps to compete with giants like Meta. It would also bring greater convenience to users by eliminating the need to juggle multiple apps just to stay connected with people on different platforms.
This update marks a major shift for Meta’s messaging platforms, as both WhatsApp and Messenger have largely functioned as closed ecosystems. By supporting third-party apps, Meta is positioning itself to comply with regulatory demands while offering users more flexibility in how they communicate. While no specific launch date has been announced, the rollout is expected to start soon, especially as the company navigates compliance with the new European legislation.
