Why is This Happening?
The change is being implemented to comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a law passed in Europe that requires large tech companies like WhatsApp to make their platforms compatible with other services. This means that users will no longer be restricted to only WhatsApp, but can communicate with people using other messaging apps as well.
What to Expect from the Update
- Third-Party Chats: With this feature, users can send messages to others on third-party apps that integrate with WhatsApp.
- Notification Alerts: Users will receive notifications when a new compatible app becomes available. These alerts will help guide them through the setup process.
- Inbox Management: Users can choose how to organize their messages. They can either separate third-party messages from their main WhatsApp inbox or combine all chats into a single inbox for easier management.
While the law only requires basic messaging compatibility, WhatsApp is going further by offering advanced features such as:
- Reactions to Messages
- Direct Replies
- Typing Indicators
- Read Receipts
Future Prospects
This feature is mainly for European users right now, but it could expand globally in the future. However, the rollout will depend on when other apps develop the necessary technology to integrate with WhatsApp.
