• Archives
  • Cryptocurrency
  • Earnings
  • Enterprise
  • About TechBooky
  • Submit Article
  • Advertise Here
  • Contact Us
TechBooky
  • African
  • AI
  • Metaverse
  • Gadgets
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
  • African
  • AI
  • Metaverse
  • Gadgets
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
TechBooky
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
Home General App

WhatsApp Beta Hints At Cross-Platform Compatibility

Paul Balo by Paul Balo
September 11, 2023
in App, Social Media
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

In a recent beta update for WhatsApp on Android (version 2.23.19.8), a mysterious screen named “Third-party chats” has surfaced, as reported by WABetaInfo. While this screen is currently non-functional and inaccessible to users, its very existence strongly suggests that Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, is taking steps towards making its encrypted messaging app compatible across different platforms.

https://twitter.com/WABetaInfo/status/1700921756129636433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1700921756129636433%7Ctwgr%5E2ae4b65d1702bce80a8c40a1c70e8b2ea233358b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2023%2F9%2F10%2F23866912%2Fwhatsapp-cross-platform-messaging-eu-dma-meta

The appearance of the “Third-party chats” screen in the WhatsApp beta is significant, signalling Meta’s intent to enhance cross-platform communication. Although users cannot interact with it yet, it paves the way for potential advancements in how WhatsApp interacts with other messaging platforms. The EU especially has been hammering on compatibility in tech from phone chargers to how apps interact with each other across the EU.

The timing of this beta update is notable, coming shortly after the European Commission’s confirmation that Meta qualifies as a “gatekeeper” under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). This designation places obligations on communication software providers like WhatsApp to enable interoperability with third-party messaging apps by March 2024.

Opening Up Digital Services
The DMA’s primary objective, as outlined in the European Commission’s FAQ, is to prevent gatekeepers from imposing unfair conditions and to ensure the openness of essential digital services. In addition to mandating interoperability for messaging apps, the DMA requires gatekeepers to allow users to uninstall pre-installed apps and access alternative app stores.

Both Meta and Microsoft are responding to the DMA by planning their own mobile app stores. This move reflects the changing landscape of digital services in Europe, as regulators aim to create a more competitive and open environment for consumers.

Ongoing Investigations

The European Commission is also actively investigating whether Apple’s iMessage and various Microsoft services, including Bing search, Edge browser, and advertising, meet the criteria set by the new regulation. This scrutiny underscores the EU’s commitment to enforcing the DMA and fostering fair competition in the digital marketplace.

As Meta teases cross-platform compatibility through the WhatsApp beta, it’s evident that the company is adapting to evolving regulatory demands. The outcome of these changes will not only shape the future of WhatsApp but also influence the broader landscape of digital communication and services in Europe. Stay tuned as we continue to follow these developments closely.

Related Posts:

  • 486183897_17904898335107382_2822372040468292052_n
    Spotify Music Sharing Coming to WhatsApp iOS Status Updates
  • whatsapp-status
    WhatsApp Tests Quick Status Sharing to Facebook & Instagram
  • WhatsApp-Beta-tests-new-Meta-AI-chat-memory-feature
    Whatsapp Developing A Redesigned Meta AI Interface…
  • WA_NEW_ADVANCED_CHAT_PRIVACY_FEATURE_MEDIA_AUTO_SAVING_CHAT_INFO_SCREEN_ANDROID
    WhatsApp Tests Privacy Feature on Android to…
  • whatsapp_beta_ai_widget_icons_wabetainfo_1741442763298
    WhatsApp Beta Introduces AI-Generated Group Icons…
  • WA_STATUS_UPDATE_MUSIC_FEATURE_ANDROID
    WhatsApp Tests Music for Status Updates on Android & iOS
  • WA_ADD_FACEBOOK_PROFILE_LINKS_FEATURE_ANDROID
    WhatsApp Beta Adds Option to Link Facebook Profile
  • WA_PRIVATE_MESSAGE_SUMMARIZATION_META_AI_FEATURE_ANDROID
    WhatsApp Developing AI Chat Wallpapers & Message Summaries

Discover more from TechBooky

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Tags: cross platformeumessagingwhatsapp
Paul Balo

Paul Balo

Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.

BROWSE BY CATEGORIES

Receive top tech news directly in your inbox

subscription from
Loading

Freshly Squeezed

  • Meta Previews New AI Parental Controls October 18, 2025
  • ChatGPT Mobile App Sees Drop in Usage and Downloads October 18, 2025
  • Facebook’s AI Now Suggests Photo Edits on Phones October 18, 2025
  • Reddit Expands AI Search to 5 New Languages October 18, 2025
  • Meta Ends Messenger Desktop Apps for Mac and Windows October 18, 2025
  • Microsoft Rolls Out New Windows 11 AI Copilot Features October 16, 2025

Browse Archives

October 2025
MTWTFSS
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031 
« Sep    

Quick Links

  • About TechBooky
  • Advertise Here
  • Contact us
  • Submit Article
  • Privacy Policy
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages
  • African
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Gadgets
  • Metaverse
  • Tips
  • About TechBooky
  • Advertise Here
  • Submit Article
  • Contact us

© 2025 Designed By TechBooky Elite

Discover more from TechBooky

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.