In a move poised to reshape the messaging landscape, WhatsApp is rolling out support for third-party apps, allowing users to communicate across platforms without switching services. This development, driven by European Union regulations, marks a significant step toward interoperability in digital communications. As of November 2025, the feature is in beta testing, promising seamless chats with apps like Signal and Telegram directly within WhatsApp.

The initiative stems from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that gatekeeper platforms like WhatsApp enable cross-app messaging to foster competition. Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, has been preparing for this since 2023, with early betas showing a dedicated section for third-party chats. According to Android Police, the update will let users message contacts on other apps without needing additional tools, though it’s likely limited to EU users initially.

The DMA’s Push for Open Messaging

The DMA, effective from March 2024, requires companies designated as gatekeepers to open their ecosystems. WhatsApp’s compliance involves creating an opt-in system where users can enable third-party messaging. As reported by Social Media Today, this will allow users of other services to integrate into WhatsApp chats, potentially bridging divides between proprietary networks.

Beta testers have noted a new ‘Third-party chats’ inbox in the app, separating these messages from standard WhatsApp conversations. WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp updates, detailed in a recent post that users can send texts, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents, but advanced features like status updates, disappearing messages, and stickers won’t be supported, as per Indian Express.

Technical Underpinnings and Challenges

Under the hood, WhatsApp is leveraging its end-to-end encryption protocol to maintain security across platforms. However, interoperability requires third-party apps to adopt compatible standards, which could limit participation. The Verge highlighted Meta’s preview of the feature in September 2024, showing a clean interface for managing these chats, with warnings about potential differences in privacy and functionality.

Challenges include ensuring data privacy and preventing spam. Meta has emphasized that users must opt-in, and third-party messages will be clearly marked. TechCrunch reported in February 2024 that WhatsApp is preparing to roll out this support to meet the DMA deadline, with TechCrunch noting the company’s efforts to balance compliance with user safety.

User Experience in Beta Testing

Recent beta versions, such as WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.33.8 and iOS 25.32.10.72, have introduced the feature to select testers. Posts on X from users like @WABetaInfo describe it as a game-changer, enabling direct messaging without app-switching. For instance, a user on Signal could message a WhatsApp contact seamlessly, as long as both apps support the integration.

Limitations are evident: group chats across platforms are still in development, and not all features translate perfectly. Republic World mentioned WhatsApp’s testing of cross-app group chats, which could expand the feature’s utility for collaborative communication in the near future.

Implications for Meta and Competitors

For Meta, this represents both an opportunity and a risk. Opening WhatsApp could attract more users by reducing platform silos, but it might dilute the app’s dominance. Industry insiders speculate this could pressure other giants like Apple to follow suit with iMessage, though no such mandates exist outside the EU yet. A post on X by @9to5mac in January 2024 questioned if iMessage would be next, highlighting the broader ripple effects.

Competitors like Telegram and Signal stand to benefit, potentially gaining visibility through WhatsApp’s massive user base of over 2 billion. However, as NextPit reported last week, the feature’s regional restriction means global adoption will depend on further regulatory pushes or voluntary expansions by Meta.

Privacy and Security Considerations

Privacy remains a cornerstone, with WhatsApp insisting on end-to-end encryption for all interoperable chats. Yet, differences in app policies could create vulnerabilities. Meta’s recent policy update, as covered by Mint three weeks ago, prohibits general-purpose AI chatbots on its API, focusing instead on business tools, which indirectly supports secure third-party integrations.

Experts warn of potential misuse, such as increased spam or phishing across platforms. WhatsApp’s approach includes user controls to block or report third-party contacts, ensuring a safer experience. Insights from X posts by @stufflistings dating back to 2023 underscore the long development timeline, with early concepts focusing on secure, opt-in cross-messaging.

Global Rollout and Future Prospects

While currently EU-focused, there’s speculation about broader availability. Android Police noted in their latest article that the feature’s beta status suggests a full rollout soon, possibly by early 2026. This could set a precedent for global standards in messaging interoperability.

Looking ahead, integrations with more apps and enhanced features like video calls could follow. As digital communication evolves, WhatsApp’s move might inspire similar openness in other sectors, from social media to email, fundamentally altering how we connect online.