WhatsApp Expands Messaging Capabilities Beyond Its Platform

WhatsApp is currently testing a new feature called Third-party chats, allowing users to message individuals on other apps without leaving the WhatsApp platform. According to Android Central, this capability is being rolled out to beta testers in Europe, specifically as a response to the European Union's Digital Markets Act, which mandates that major platforms like Meta ensure interoperability with competitors.

Users can send and receive texts, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents from non-WhatsApp users. The initial rollout includes only one third-party app, BirdyChat, and the functionality can be toggled on under Settings, allowing messages to either mix with regular chats or be isolated in a separate section.

However, certain features like stickers, statuses, and disappearing messages are not supported in these external chats. Privacy concerns have also been raised, particularly around user blocking; blocking someone on WhatsApp does not prevent them from reaching out through another app if that app does not have the same blocking features.

Only phone numbers are shared between platforms, ensuring some level of privacy. This move could redefine messaging paradigms, allowing for cross-platform communication and potentially expanding WhatsApp's user base significantly.

If successful, WhatsApp may become the first major messaging platform to offer true cross-communication capabilities across different applications, reflecting Meta's ongoing strategy to enhance user connectivity and engagement.

The current testing phase is limited to Europe, as the DMA regulations apply there, and it remains to be seen how this will evolve in other regions or with additional third-party applications.