Can you send WhatsApp messages from third-party apps?

Meta's WhatsApp, which is the most popular messaging app, is reportedly in the process of introducing a new section containing all incoming messages from third-party chats.

WABetaInfo reported that the latest beta update for iOS, which is available on the TestFlight app, revealed that WhatsApp is working on bringing the said feature to a future version of the iOS app.

The update comes as part of compliance to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a law that regulates the behaviour of large tech companies, particularly those considered “gatekeepers”, which have a significant impact on the digital market.

As per the WhatsApp news tracker, a key aspect of the DMA is the requirement for these companies to enable users to communicate with each other using various apps.

WhatsApp is mentioned as one of the companies that will be subject to the regulations outlined in the DMA, as the platform holds a dominant position in the messaging market.

"One key benefit stemming from the DMA and WhatsApp’s efforts to comply is the introduction of interoperability."

The term "interoperability" means the users' ability to communicate with other people on different messaging apps while using WhatsApp, which facilitates more inclusive and diverse communication channels and enhances the overall user experience.

However, WABetaInfo warned that the users will have to maintain control over this feature, as they are required to manually enable the interoperability service and have the option to opt out, as stipulated in Article 7 of the regulations.

Moreover, end-to-end encryption will have to be preserved in interoperable messaging systems, ensuring a good level of security for users engaged in cross-platform communication.