Meta is working on making WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger interoperable, allowing users of both platforms to call or message users of other chatting or internet calling apps. The company revealed how the interoperability for both chat apps would work with third-party messaging apps in a new document. While the new policy could help users connect with others using different messaging apps, it comes with a caveat.

The interoperability in WhatsApp and Messenger for third-party apps will be a part of Meta’s measures to comply with the Digital Markets Act in the European Union. Enforced earlier this year, DMA requires Meta’s messaging platforms to introduce changes to how they work with other messaging apps available in the region. In other words, WhatsApp and Messenger must allow their users to text or call users of other messaging apps, according to the new rule – however, only in the European Union countries. Meta is unlikely to bring interoperability for WhatsApp and Messenger in markets outside of the EU.

As part of the changes, Meta said it will enable notifications in WhatsApp and Messenger to inform users about chat or call requests from third-party apps. Both apps will also alert users whenever a new third-party messaging app becomes available and interoperable. The design of both chat apps will also see significant changes to accommodate interoperability, featuring a new onboarding process for users where they will learn more about third-party chats and how they will be organised on WhatsApp and Messenger. Meta will let users choose which third-party apps they want to interact with and how they would like to manage the chats on both apps. This entails a separate inbox for third-party chats as an option.

Meta will also add support for RCS, allowing WhatsApp and Messenger users to interact with Google Messages or other RCS-enabled apps using reactions, direct replies, typing indicators, and read receipts. The company is also planning to add the group feature in 2025, allowing users to include members from third-party apps. WhatsApp and Messenger will also gain voice and video call support for third-party apps in 2025 as part of the compliance.