WhatsApp Opens Messaging to Rival Apps in Landmark Interoperability Move
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA – WhatsApp has begun rolling out a feature allowing users to send messages to people on other chat applications, a critically important step towards greater communication interoperability. The initial rollout, currently limited to messaging wiht BirdyChat, marks the first time WhatsApp has enabled direct communication with external platforms.
For years, messaging apps have operated as walled gardens, restricting communication to users within the same ecosystem. This move, driven in part by European legislation demanding interoperability, signals a potential shift towards a more open and connected messaging landscape where users aren’t locked into specific platforms. The long-term vision is a future where individuals can freely message anyone, regardless of their preferred app.
the functionality was discovered in WhatsApp beta version 2.25.33.8 for Android. Users who install the beta and enable third-party messaging in settings can begin testing the feature, which supports text, photos, videos, and voice messages. WhatsApp visually separates these cross-platform messages within the chat interface for clarity.
While currently limited to BirdyChat, WhatsApp’s move is expected to pressure other major messaging players to adopt similar interoperability standards. WhatsApp currently boasts approximately 3 billion monthly active users, dwarfing its competitors: WeChat with 1.41 billion,and Messenger,which will discontinue desktop support in December,with around 1 billion users.
Sources: Android Police, WABetaInfo, Sinch.
