WhatsApp New Feature Update: Meta-Owned Platform Begins Testing Third-Party Chats on iOS To Comply With European Regulations
WhatsApp is testing a new feature for iOS that allows users to create and manage third-party chats and groups, complying with EU rules on cross-platform messaging. It is available to select beta testers and supports text, media, and voice sharing, with options for combined or separate inboxes. BirdyChat is reportedly the first app to support the interoperability feature.
New Delhi, November 7: WhatsApp is said to be testing a new feature that will let iOS users to create and manage third-party groups. As per reports, the move is said to align with European regulations for cross-platform communication. As per reports, the update will allow users to chat across different messaging apps.
After releasing the latest WhatsApp beta update for iOS version 25.32.10.72 on the TestFlight app, the platform has reportedly started rolling out support for third-party chats. As per a report of WABetaInfo, the new feature is being introduced to meet European regulatory requirements and is currently accessible to a limited number of beta testers. WhatsApp New Feature Update: Meta-Owned Platform Working To Introduce ‘Strict Account Settings’ for Android Users To Enhance Security and Reduce Cyber Attack Risks.
Some WhatsApp beta users now have the option to turn on the third-party chats feature, allowing them to receive messages from people using other messaging platforms. Currently, the feature supports only one-on-one conversations, but a future update is expected to extend it to group chats as well. A notification will show up in the settings menu, guiding users to activate the feature by going to the account section and then selecting the third-party chats option.
WhatsApp Third-Party Chats Feature
The new third-party chat feature on WhatsApp brings essential tools for communication. It includes sending texts, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents. Users can manage these conversations as they prefer, either viewing all messages together or keeping third-party chats in a separate space. The feature also includes customisation options to adjust notifications, media quality, and alerts. While some WhatsApp features like stickers, disappearing messages, and status updates are not yet supported, the company plans to gradually enhance cross-platform compatibility in future updates.
Users can decide whether they want to get notifications for new chat requests coming from other messaging platforms. Inside the app settings, they can enable or disable alerts when someone from an external service tries to reach them. WhatsApp will also let its users to choose how these chats will be displayed. In the combined view, all WhatsApp and third-party messages appear together in one inbox, while the separate view keeps third-party conversations in a dedicated folder within the main inbox. Amazon Introduces Kindle Translate: AI-Powered Service Will Boost Kindle Direct Publishing Authors To Reach Global Readers.
The feature allows direct communication with people using compatible third-party messaging apps from WhatsApp. However, these external platforms may follow different security and data protection policies, which users are advised to review before engaging. As per reports, BirdyChat has become the first messaging service to integrate with WhatsApp’s new interoperability system. At present, the third-party chats feature is limited to users in Europe to comply with the EU Digital Markets Act.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 07, 2025 02:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).