WhatsApp Introduces Cross‑App Messaging Feature
WhatsApp announced a new feature that allows users to send messages to contacts on other messaging platforms, expanding the app’s interoperability after a series of incremental updates aimed at maintaining its position as a widely used secure communication tool.
The rollout, which began this week on Android devices, lets users initiate chats with recipients who are on selected rival services by selecting the appropriate contact entry and choosing the destination app. The feature is designed to work within the existing end‑to‑end encryption framework, ensuring that messages remain private even when they cross platform boundaries.
Industry analysts note that the move aligns with growing regulatory pressure, particularly in the European Union, where recent directives encourage greater competition and compatibility among digital communication services. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has previously explored similar interoperability projects but had paused them due to technical and security concerns. The current implementation focuses on a limited set of partner apps, with plans to broaden support later in the year after thorough testing.
Officials from Meta described the update as a step toward “a more open messaging ecosystem,” emphasizing that user consent and data protection remain central to the design. Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the development, citing the potential to reduce platform lock‑in while cautioning that consistent security standards must be upheld across all participating services.
Looking ahead, the feature may influence how other messaging providers approach cross‑app communication, potentially prompting a wave of similar integrations. Users are expected to see the option appear in the app’s chat interface soon, with the company promising regular updates based on feedback and performance metrics.
