WhatsApp users might soon be able to receive messages from other messaging apps like Telegram on WhatsApp. According to a recently sighted update, WhatsApp is apparently working on a third-party integration for messages in accordance with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act.
As first seen by Wabetainfo, support for third-party chats might be soon coming to WhatsApp. Currently, a version for a future iOS update is in the works. An Android version will most likely follow afterward.
WhatsApp third-party chats: What does that mean?
In Europe, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulates the activities of large tech companies considered "gatekeepers" in order to ensure a fair and equal playing field, enhance competition, and make it easier for new tech companies to be successful.
One key focus of the DMA is "interoperability". This requires tech companies that have been named "gatekeepers", such as WhatsApp, to enable users to communicate with each other using third-party apps. In practice, it would allow users to receive Telegram or Discord messages on WhatsApp as well.
The latest beta version of the respective WhatsApp iOS update shows a new section called "third-party chats".
This could allow users to access third-party chats from other messaging apps directly on WhatsApp.
Does the DMA affect other messaging apps?
So far, only Meta's messaging apps Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp have been considered gatekeeper apps. The European Union has also looked at Apple's iMessages. However, given that iMessage has only 45 million users in the EU, Apple asked to be exempt. The European Commission hasn't made a decision on Apple yet.
If they disagree with Apple and include iMessage as a gatekeeper app, it would require for Apple to open up its messaging platform for third-party chats as well.
In a surprising move last year, Apple has already proactively opened its iMessage platform for the RCS messaging standard. This update is expected to come in late 2024.
What about business messages?
As of now, the discussion around WhatsApp's third-party chats has only been around the private WhatsApp App. It's unclear, at this point, if and how business versions of WhatsApp will be affected.
We'll keep you updated as soon as we know more.
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