Meta has disclosed details of changes to the WhatsApp and Messenger chat apps to allow them to chat with other chat apps, as per the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulations in Europe, as previously announced back in March 2024, and took approximately 6 months to develop this feature.
Both WhatsApp and Messenger will display in-app notifications informing users that they can chat with other chat apps. Examples shown are the Spruce and Blurb apps.
Users can choose to either combine all chats into one screen (Combined) or separate chats from third-party apps into a different folder (Separated).
Each chat app features are different. Meta has opted to use the Signal Protocol chat protocol for encrypting chat data. Additional chat features include supporting 4 key elements: adding reactions, reply status indicators, typing indicators, and read receipts.
Meta has also mentioned plans to add Groups feature in 2025 and voice/video calling in 2027.
It is currently unclear which chat apps will be integrated with WhatsApp/Messenger. Meta has provided documentation explaining the process, from signing up, contract signing, compatibility testing, and opening up for real connections (all within Europe only).
Source: Meta
TLDR: Meta has revealed updates to WhatsApp and Messenger to enable chatting with other apps, complying with DMA regulations. New features include in-app notifications, chat app compatibility, and additional chat features. Planned additions are Groups in 2025 and voice/video calling in 2027, with integration details still pending clarity.
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