In its ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience, WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, is preparing to introduce a novel feature enabling users to send messages to third-party apps like Signal and Telegram. This anticipated update, labeled as version 2.24.6.2, was unveiled by WABetaInfo.This forward-thinking initiative by WhatsApp is in line with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), emphasizing chat interoperability to facilitate seamless communication across diverse platforms. In compliance with the DMA, WhatsApp had previously announced the beta testing of a chat interoperability feature in version 2.24.5.18 for Android. The recent examination of the 2.24.5.20 beta update on the Google Play Store indicates the

active development of a specialized chat information screen for third-party chats.The chat information screen, showcased in a screenshot by WABetaInfo, provides essential details. Acknowledging the absence of profile names and photos for third-party chats, WhatsApp intends to display the default profile photo alongside the name of the third-party app associated with the chat.

Users will have the flexibility to manage which apps can interact with their WhatsApp account, ensuring a customized experience.However, certain restrictions will apply to third-party chats within WhatsApp. Notably, group chats involving third-party apps and making calls through these apps will not be supported initially. Initially, communication with third-party chats may be limited to text messages, with potential expansions in future updates. Crucially, users will have the option to manually enable the interoperability service, making it an elective feature.In addition to this advancement, WhatsApp is also developing a new privacy feature designed to prevent users from capturing screenshots of others’ profile pictures.

The beta version, accessible on the Google Play Store, introduces a notification that appears when attempting to capture a screenshot, stating ‘Can’t take a screenshot due to app restrictions.’ While currently available to select beta testers, this privacy feature is anticipated to roll out to all users in the coming weeks.