Meta is making changes to WhatsApp and Messenger to interact with third-party chat apps — in Europe, that is — and the company shares how it will work in a new post. based on previous reportsThe meta started working on enabling third-party cracks after the block’s rules last year Digital Markets Act (DMA) entered into force. Under the DMA, “gatekeepers,” or the largest companies and platforms in the industry, must provide interoperability with third parties because they are prohibited from favoring their own services.
The company said it is gathering feedback from potential partners and other stakeholders to help shape the new experience. To start with, it has developed new notifications for WhatsApp and Messenger that will alert users when a third-party service is available for integration. Users will be able to choose which third-party applications they want to receive messages from and choose to receive those messages either in a separate inbox. Those who don’t mind receiving messages alongside Messenger or WhatsApp chats can opt for a combined inbox instead.
Programs will also provide rich messaging features to third-party cracks, so they’re not purely text-based. Users will be able to react and directly reply to specific messages, see an indicator while the other person is typing, and receive read receipts. Next year, they’ll be able to create group chats, and in 2027, they’ll be able to make voice and video calls to friends in other apps.
“When a third-party messaging service builds, tests, and deploys the necessary technology to make the feature a positive and safe user experience, users will begin to see a third-party chat option,” Meta explained, so it’s not everyone’s preferred messaging app. It will be integrated with WhatsApp and Messenger. However, the company said it will continue to partner with other services to expand its presence.
