WhatsApp is moving closer to one of its biggest changes ever—letting users chat across different messaging apps without switching platforms. This major update is being rolled out to meet new European Union interoperability rules and is now becoming available on iOS, after first appearing on Android beta. The feature, known as third-party chats, will allow users to message people who are on other supported apps—all from within WhatsApp itself.
A Step Toward Cross-App Messaging
Earlier, the feature appeared on WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.33.8, allowing users to start chats with people outside the WhatsApp ecosystem. Now, the same functionality is arriving on WhatsApp beta for iOS version 25.32.10.72, currently available through TestFlight. This means WhatsApp wants both Android and iOS users to have the same experience as the company moves to comply with the European Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The new feature appears inside WhatsApp settings under Account > Third-Party Chats, but only for some users right now. If your account is included in the rollout, you’ll see a banner inviting you to enable the feature. Once turned on, you’ll be able to receive messages from people using other compatible messaging apps, without leaving WhatsApp.
What You Can Do With Third-Party Chats
At launch, third-party chats support the core messaging features most people use every day:
- Sending and receiving text messages
- Sharing photos and videos
- Sending voice notes
- Sharing documents
You can also decide how you want to manage these incoming cross-app messages. WhatsApp gives two display options:
- Combined Inbox: Third-party messages appear alongside normal WhatsApp chats.
- Separated Inbox: Third-party chats appear in their own folder inside your chat list.
This level of customization helps you keep your messages organized, especially if you’re talking to people across various apps.
However, not everything is supported yet. Features like:
- WhatsApp Status
- Stickers
- Reactions
- Disappearing messages
are not available for third-party chats at the moment. WhatsApp says these will be explored later as interoperability expands.
How Cross-App Messaging Works
This new cross-platform messaging relies on WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption framework. However, not all messaging apps follow the same security standards. Apps that want to integrate must build their own interoperability layer and then request access from WhatsApp.
Once a request is submitted, WhatsApp performs a security review to ensure the app matches its encryption and privacy standards. Only apps that meet these requirements will be allowed to appear as third-party services in WhatsApp.
One key detail: your phone number will be used to connect across apps. This means people from other apps can contact you using your WhatsApp-linked phone number. But WhatsApp clarifies that no additional personal details are shared.
Important Privacy Note: Blocking Rules Work Differently
If you have blocked someone on WhatsApp, they may still be able to contact you using a third-party messaging app through this interoperability feature. That’s because blocking is currently limited to WhatsApp’s own network. Users may want to review their privacy and contact settings carefully once enabling third-party messaging.
Full Control Over Notifications
WhatsApp allows you to choose whether or not to receive notifications for new messages from third-party apps. These alerts can be turned on or off anytime through settings, allowing you to maintain control over your inbox and avoid unwanted messages.
BirdyChat Becomes the First Compatible App
The first messaging service confirmed to support WhatsApp’s interoperability feature is BirdyChat, making it the earliest adopter of WhatsApp’s new cross-chat framework. The app successfully passed WhatsApp’s encryption and privacy review, making it the first official third-party option for users in supported regions.
Only Available in Europe (For Now)
The third-party chats feature is currently limited to users in the European region, because the update is being introduced to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act. This law applies only within the European Economic Area, so users outside Europe won’t see the feature just yet. WhatsApp is expected to consider wider rollout later, depending on how the EU launch goes.
Gradual Rollout Underway
Although the feature appears first in the latest iOS beta, some users on stable App Store builds may also start seeing it. WhatsApp is rolling out the feature slowly to monitor performance and address issues before expanding to all users.
With this update, WhatsApp is taking a major step toward a more open messaging ecosystem—where users are no longer locked into individual apps. The change promises more choice, convenience, and flexibility, marking the beginning of a new era of cross-app communication.
