WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.32.7: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.32.7.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to create third-party groups in order to comply with European regulations, and it will be available in a future update!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Third-party groups |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.32.2: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to set a cover photo for their profile! |
WhatsApp is Developing Third-Party Groups and Cross-App Messaging
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.5.18 update, we announced that a feature that allows users to communicate with other third-party apps was under development. This functionality will let users send and receive messages with people using different messaging services. It's designed to ensure compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act, a regulation that requires major tech companies to make their services interoperable with third-party platforms. Users will have full control over this feature, as they can choose to enable or disable the optional interoperability service at any time.
Although the feature is still in development, WhatsApp is actively polishing it ahead of its public release in the European region. This indicates the company's commitment to ensuring a smooth and reliable experience when it becomes available to users. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.32.7 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that lets users create third-party groups to comply with European regulations!
WhatsApp Keeps Working on New Interoperability Features in Europe
WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature designed to let users communicate with people on different messaging platforms without needing multiple apps. This initiative aims to make messaging more open and flexible by connecting users across supported services. Once enabled, WhatsApp users will be able to send and receive messages from external apps that have adopted the interoperability standard. This feature simplifies communication by allowing users to stay connected across multiple platforms within WhatsApp.
In order to maximize user security, WhatsApp encourages third-party providers to use the Signal Protocol, but will also accept other compatible encryption systems that can prove they meet the same level of protection. This approach ensures that interoperability does not compromise the platform's privacy and security standards. Every connected service will therefore need to pass technical verification to guarantee end-to-end encryption. By complying with the European regulations, WhatsApp aims to create a unified secure communication experience across different apps.
Features Available in Third-Party Chats
Third-party chats will support essential communication features such as sending messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and documents. Users will be able to manage their incoming third-party messages through two modes: a Combined inbox or a Separated inbox, depending on their preference. Push notifications, media upload quality, and in-app alerts can also be customized to match the user's needs. This ensures that users maintain control over their messaging experience while chatting across different platforms.
It's worth noting that certain WhatsApp-native features like status updates, stickers, and disappearing messages will not be supported in third-party chats. This integration focuses on essential communication between user, ensuring that the core messaging experience remains simple and effective. WhatsApp is developing a simple and reliable system that covers only the most necessary messaging features. However, WhatsApp remains committed to improving third-party chat functionalities over time to enhance cross-platform communication.
WhatsApp is Working on Third-Party Group Chats
Users will be able to decide whether to initiate a one-on-one third-party chat before exploring group options. An individual third-party chat allows communication between a WhatsApp user and a person using another messaging app that supports interoperability. WhatsApp is now expanding this concept by developing third-party group chats, enabling larger conversations across platforms.
To create a third-party group, all members must have the interoperability service activated on their accounts. This ensures that everyone in the group can securely share messages regardless of their preferred app. Once the group is created and members are added, all the features available in individual third-party chats will also be accessible in group conversations. This includes sending media, documents, and voice messages seamlessly across connected platforms. With this update, WhatsApp aims to move closer to fully bridging communication gaps between different messaging networks while complying with new European interoperability regulations.
Privacy Controls for Third-Party Group Chat Invitations
Once third-party chats become available, it's possible to be added to third-party chats by people who either use or have selected the same messaging app. This measure helps prevent spam and unwanted invitations from unfamiliar platforms. WhatsApp will also provide privacy settings that allow users to control who can add them to third-party groups. The available options include "Everyone", "My contacts and people from third-party apps users select", "My contacts only", "My contacts except", and "No one". These choices ensure that users maintain full control over their visibility and participation in external chats.
By customizing these preferences, users will be able to decide exactly who is allowed to add them to third-party chats. These privacy settings will give users greater control over their visibility across different messaging platforms. Adjusting these options helps prevent unwanted invitations and maintains a secure communication environment. As a result, these expanded privacy controls will ensure that users can manage cross-platform interactions safely and confidently.
Third-Party Chats Will Be Exclusive to European Users
Third-party chats will only be available to users in the European Region. This limitation is due to the requirements of the EU's Digital Markets Act, which mandates interoperability between major messaging services. The regulation applies specifically to large platforms operating within the European Union. As a result, WhatsApp is implementing this feature exclusively for European users to comply with regional laws.
Release Timeline for Third-Party Groups on WhatsApp for Android
The feature that lets users create third-party groups to comply with European regulations is currently under development, and it will be available in a future update. Although it hasn't been rolled out to users yet, it's expected to launch once WhatsApp completes internal testing and final optimizations over the coming weeks. WhatsApp usually ensures that new features meet its quality and stability standards before a global release. Stay tuned to this website for updates, as we will share the latest news as soon as the new cover photo feature reaches beta testers.
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