Meta, the technology company, is working on a feature in its messaging application, WhatsApp, that allows users to receive direct messages from other messaging apps.
According to a post shared by WhatsApp Beta Info, this feature has recently been introduced for testing in the WhatsApp iOS beta version.
WhatsApp Beta shared an image in a tweet, showing a new section added to the chat tab specifically for messages received from third-party apps, and it will accumulate all the chats coming from outside WhatsApp.
📝 WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.2.10.72: what's new?
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) January 24, 2024
WhatsApp is working on a chat interoperability feature to comply with new EU regulations, and it will be available in a future update!https://t.co/wuOjTvciGp pic.twitter.com/9s49xosAfC
It appears that users will have the option to enable or disable this feature at their discretion.
Furthermore, messages received from or sent to third-party apps will have end-to-end encryption, ensuring privacy. However, it is currently unclear how widely WhatsApp will be able to establish contact with other platforms using this feature.
At present, it remains unclear to what extent WhatsApp will be able to establish communication with other platforms using this feature. The limited information available suggests that users will have control over the activation of this feature, providing them with the flexibility to choose when to enable or disable it according to their preferences.
The addition of a dedicated section for messages from third-party apps in the chat tab indicates that Meta is exploring ways to integrate various messaging services within the WhatsApp interface. This move aligns with the company's broader strategy to create a more interconnected messaging experience for users.
While the beta version of WhatsApp on iOS is currently undergoing testing for this feature, it's essential to note that beta versions often precede full releases. This means that the final implementation of the feature may undergo further refinements based on user feedback and testing results.
The aspect of end-to-end encryption for messages originating from third-party apps is a crucial consideration for privacy-conscious users. This feature underscores Meta's commitment to maintaining a secure communication environment, even as it expands the functionality of WhatsApp to include messages from external sources.
As the development of this feature progresses, users can anticipate more details to emerge, shedding light on its compatibility with different platforms and the overall user experience it aims to deliver. The integration of third-party messages within WhatsApp could potentially reshape the landscape of cross-platform messaging, providing users with a unified space to manage conversations from various sources.