WhatsApp set to support in-app support for other messaging apps

WhatsApp is one of the world’s most popular messaging tools. However, even in countries like India where the app is commonly found on most smartphones, not everybody uses WhatsApp alone.

While some like to keep business and personal affairs separate on different apps, other simply like the specific feature-sets offered by other messaging tools, from Instagram DMs and Facebook Messenger to Telegram and Signal.

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Now, WhatsApp’s latest feature is set to unify its approach to messaging, adding support for even third-party, non-Meta messaging platforms right into the app. Here’s everything you need to know.

WhatsApp interoperability: What is it?

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will enable the app to send and receive messages to and from other messaging apps like Signal. This implementation is also set to work with security features like encryption intact.

A new WABetaInfo report reveals that a new WhatsApp beta version for iOS shows a new section in the main screen of the application, called ‘Third-Party chats’.

This new tab is expected to be a dedicated section for all third-party conversations. The report suggests that WhatsApp users will have complete control over third-party chats and which other messaging apps the feature will work with.

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While it is currently unknown which messaging platforms the feature will support in future beta or stable versions, we already have support for Signal, a privacy-focused messaging app.

Those on the WhatsApp Beta channel for iOS who want to try the app can download the beta version 24.2.10.72 via TestFlight. Others may have to wait for a few months for the feature to come to the stable channel, and perhaps even longer for it to support more popular messaging apps.