WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.33.8: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.33.8.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that enables third-party chats in order to comply with European regulations, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Third-party chats |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.33.8 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may experiment with the same feature by installing the previous update. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Thanks: | Sniper, rubiokarim, Traiti, Dimu, techworldaleant, and Radu Oncescu, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.33.4: what's new? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that lets users apply strict security settings to their accounts! |
WhatsApp Expands Messaging Beyond Its Own App
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.32.7 update, we announced that a feature to create third-party groups was under development. This functionality would allow users from multiple platforms to join the same group conversation securely, ensuring that all participants can communicate without needing to switch apps. It would also extend interoperability beyond individual chats, creating a consistent group chat experience across different messaging services. The development of this feature ensures compliance with European interoperability regulations while maintaining strong privacy and security standards.
It appears that WhatsApp is finally testing this feature with some users in the European region, as reports indicate that selected testers can now communicate with other users within the latest beta version of the app. This suggests that WhatsApp is making significant progress toward meeting the interoperability requirements set by European authorities, moving closer to enabling a more open and connected messaging experience. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.33.8 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that enables third-party chats!
WhatsApp Introduces Support for Third-Party Messaging Apps
With the latest updates, some beta testers can now communicate with people using other instant messaging apps. If the feature is available, users can activate it by navigating to Settings > Account > Third-party chats within the app. Although third-party group chats are still in development and not yet ready for release, this update gives users an early glimpse of what cross-platform messaging will look like. It marks the beginning of a new era of communication where WhatsApp users can connect seamlessly with different messaging platforms.
Feature Supported in Third-Party Chats
Third-party chats on WhatsApp will support essential features like sending messages, photos, videos, voice messages, and documents. Users can manage incoming messages using either a combined inbox or a separated one, depending on their preference. Customization options include push notifications, media upload quality, and in-app alerts to tailor the experience. While certain native features such as status updates, stickers, and disappearing messages are not supported, WhatsApp ensures a simple and secure cross-platform communication system.
Important Details About Messaging People on Third-Party Apps
Users can now chat with people on eligible third-party messaging apps directly through WhatsApp, expanding communication beyond traditional boundaries. However, it's important to note that these third-party apps may follow different data protection and security practices compared to WhatsApp. When communicating across platforms, your phone number can be used by people on third-party apps to contact you, but no other personal information is shared. This ensures that privacy is largely preserved while still enabling interoperability.
Users should also be aware that people previously blocked on WhatsApp may still be able to contact them through third-party chats, depending on the app's rules. WhatsApp cannot access or read the messages exchanged in third-party chats, as they remain end-to-end encrypted. These messages are handled directly by the interoperable service, maintaining privacy at every stage. Before using the feature, WhatsApp recommends reviewing each app's privacy and data handling policies to make an informed choice.
How Third-Party Chats Appear in Your WhatsApp Inbox
WhatsApp allows users to decide how third-party chats will be displayed within the app's inbox. By selecting the Combined option, WhatsApp and third-party conversations will appear together in one unified inbox. If users prefer better organization, they can choose the Separated option, which stores third-party chats in a dedicated folder within the main inbox. This flexibility ensures that everyone can customize their messaging experience based on personal preference and convenience.
Control Notifications for Incoming Third-Party Chat Requests
Users can decide whether to enable notifications when they receive a request from someone using a third-party messaging app who wants to connect with them on WhatsApp. This setting gives users more control over how they interact with external services. By adjusting notification preferences, users can decide whether to be alerted immediately or review requests later at their convenience. It's a simple way to manage privacy and maintain awareness of new connection attempts from other platforms.
BirdyChat Becomes the First Supported App for Third-Party Chats
At the moment, the only app supported by WhatsApp's interoperability feature is BirdyChat. It's worth noting that WhatsApp does not directly select which apps to integrate. Instead, third-party developers must work on the interoperability process and submit a request to be included. In this case, only apps that meet WhatsApp's strict security and encryption requirements will be accepted to ensure that all conversations remain protected. This process guarantees that privacy is never compromised while expanding cross-platform communication.
Over time, it is expected that WhatsApp will receive more integration requests from additional messaging platforms. As more apps comply with the technical and security standards, the list of supported services will likely grow. ChatGPT said:This approach helps maintain safe communication, as only third-party apps that meet WhatsApp's verified security and encryption standards can connect, ensuring that all cross-platform interactions remain private and protected.
Third-Party Chat Feature is Optional for All Users
The third-party chat feature is completely optional. This means that users can choose whether or not to enable it. WhatsApp gives full control to each user, allowing them to decide how they want to manage cross-platform communication. If users prefer to keep their conversations within WhatsApp only, they can simply leave the feature disabled. This ensures that every individual can tailor their experience according to personal privacy and comfort preferences.
What Third-Party Chats Mean for Users and European Compliance
The introduction of third-party chats is directly tied to WhatsApp's effort to comply with new European interoperability regulations. These rules, outlined under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), require large messaging platforms to open communication channels to other services. By following these regulations, WhatsApp ensures that users in the European Region benefit from greater choice and transparency in digital communication. It also reinforces the company's dedication to maintaining end-to-end encryption while meeting legal requirements.
With this functionality, users will gain the ability to communicate seamlessly across multiple messaging apps without needing separate accounts or installations. This means that connecting with friends, family, or colleagues on different platforms becomes much simpler. Cross-platform messaging enhances accessibility, reduces app fragmentation, and makes digital communication more unified. At the same time, by interacting with WhatsApp users through third-party chats, people on other messaging apps might discover the app's features and advantages, which could motivate them to install WhatsApp.
Feature Availability Limited to the European Region
Since this feature was developed to align with European interoperability regulations, it is currently available only to users in the European region. WhatsApp is focusing its release in these markets to meet the legal requirements established by the European Commission. Users outside Europe will not see the option for third-party chats in their settings at this time. At the moment, there is no announced plan or timeline for availability outside the European region.
Feature to Create Third-Party Chats is Rolling out on Android Beta
The feature to create third-party chats is now rolling out to selected users through the latest WhatsApp beta for Android updates. Beta testers can explore how cross-platform conversations work and provide valuable feedback before the global release. In addition, some users running the latest stable version of WhatsApp for Android may also have access to this feature. Over the coming weeks, more users are expected to receive the update as part of this phased rollout.
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