WhatsApp Update: Here's How You Can Chat with Users of Other Apps

Meta is planning big changes to WhatsApp: you'll soon be able to send and receive messages with users of other applications, without leaving the app.

WhatsApp is about to introduce an unexpected feature that many users will appreciate. In a recent announcement, Meta revealed how chats from third-party apps will appear in both WhatsApp and Messenger for European users. This is due to the new European Union anti-monopoly regulation, which requires WhatsApp to allow the use of competing apps. The process will be simple: first, you'll need to grant the app permission to receive messages from other applications. Then, you'll be able to exchange messages within WhatsApp with users of apps like Google Messages, Telegram, and Signal.

Additionally, you'll have the option to receive third-party app chats in your inbox alongside WhatsApp messages or keep them separate. In the latter case, the messages will be stored in a separate folder. You'll also get a notification whenever a new external chat service becomes available for linking to WhatsApp.

Meta believes it has gone "a step beyond the basic features" required by the EU's DMA regulations. For instance, you can also see if your messages have been read in chats with users of other apps and can leave reaction emojis. A notification will also appear at the top when the other person is typing a message.

This new feature is part of a phased rollout. By 2025, users will be able to add people from other messaging platforms into WhatsApp groups, making group chats even more inclusive. By 2027, Meta plans to support video and voice calls with users of third-party apps, further enhancing cross-platform communication capabilities.

One of the most significant aspects of this new feature is the continued use of the Signal protocol. This encryption protocol is widely regarded for its robust, end-to-end encryption, ensuring that all messages sent and received across different platforms remain private and secure. With this protocol, only the sender and recipient can read the messages, ensuring that no third parties, including Meta, can access the content.

Despite this exciting announcement, Meta has yet to confirm the exact launch date for these features. However, the company has provided enough details to suggest that this could represent a significant shift in the messaging landscape, especially in Europe, where interoperability between apps could become the new norm. We'll have to wait and see if these features make their way to the U.S. in the future.