WhatsApp is planning a major shift by letting users of its service send and receive messages with people on other messaging apps. This move towards interoperability could break down the “app silo” for chats. Below we unpack what WhatsApp is doing, when you might expect it, and how it will affect you.
What’s happening: WhatsApp to work with other messaging apps
WhatsApp owner Meta Platforms is developing an interoperability feature so that WhatsApp users can communicate with users of other messaging apps—without everyone needing to use WhatsApp.
Key points:
- The feature will be opt-in, meaning each user must choose to activate it.
- Messages from other apps will appear in a separate inbox (titled “third-party chats”) rather than mixing with your normal WhatsApp chats.
- For this to work, the other messaging apps will likely need to sign agreements with Meta and meet certain security/encryption requirements.
- The initiative is driven by regulatory pressure—particularly the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Union which requires “gatekeeper” platforms such as WhatsApp to enable interoperability. The Indian Express
Why this matters
Breaking messaging silos
Currently, if you use WhatsApp, and your friend uses another app (e.g., Telegram, Signal), you can’t message each other through the same app. This change means fewer barriers.
More choice for users
You won’t have to ask someone to download WhatsApp (or you download theirs) just to chat. This could make messaging more seamless.
Regulatory compliance
By enabling interoperability, WhatsApp moves toward complying with EU regulations that aim to reduce the dominance of a few messaging platforms.
Security & privacy implications
While this brings convenience, it also raises questions about how encryption and privacy will be handled across different platforms.
How it will work (according to WhatsApp/Meta)
- You would turn on a setting in WhatsApp to allow “third-party chats”.
- In settings you might choose which third-party apps you allow messages from, and whether to keep those chats in a separate inbox or combine them with your regular chats.
- The messages will carry over features like typing indicators, read receipts, and reactions when supported by the other app (though not guaranteed for all features).
- The initial focus is on one-to-one messaging (person to person), not necessarily group chats or calls—those may come later.
Timeline & Limitations
- Meta has indicated that the features are first expected for EU users (because of the DMA compliance).
- A full rollout globally is not yet confirmed—so this may not come to India or other regions at the same time.
- Which third-party messaging apps will work with WhatsApp is still unclear. Apps like Telegram or Signal could participate—but participation requires agreement and technical integration.
- Even when available, because of the separate inbox and the opt-in nature, user experience may be different (and some users may prefer keeping chats within the same app).
What this means for Indian users
- If you’re in India and use WhatsApp, you may eventually be able to message someone on another app from WhatsApp—but don’t count on it yet, since global rollout is uncertain.
- For people whose contact list uses different apps, this could reduce friction (fewer people “must download WhatsApp”).
- However, you may need to enable the feature manually, and it may involve new settings (choosing allowed apps, deciding inbox style).
- Privacy considerations: If you deal with sensitive chats, you’ll want to check how the cross-app encryption or security is handled (remember, even though WhatsApp says it will preserve end-to-end encryption, bridging apps can complicate things).
Challenges & What to Watch
- Encryption & security: Making two different apps talk to each other without weakening end-to-end encryption is tough. Some experts are sceptical that it can be done perfectly. WIRED
- Spam & abuse risk: When you allow other apps to send you messages via WhatsApp, you may get more unsolicited contacts. Hence, WhatsApp is making it opt-in.
- App participation is key: WhatsApp may open the door, but unless other messaging apps join in, you won’t get full value.
- Feature disparity: Some features (group chats, video calls, stickers) may lag behind because bridging systems are harder.
- Regional rollout & regulation: Laws in India and other countries may differ from the EU, so launch timing and details may vary.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s plan to let you text people on other messaging apps is a big evolution from “everyone must use the same app” to “apps can talk to each other”. For users, this could mean fewer headaches and more flexibility. But it’s not a guarantee yet—it will roll out regionally (starting with the EU), depends on other apps participating, and comes with privacy/security trade-offs.
