WhatsApp has started testing partial support for messages from third party services in a beta build of Messenger, according to reports from the WABetaInfo portal. The discovery highlights a broader move toward interoperability within messaging ecosystems while keeping control in the hands of users.
A feature label appears in the beta version for Android, specifically 2.24.6.2, under a menu named Third-party chats, translated from Russian as third-party chats. In this section, two options appear: Disable and Selected Applications. At this moment, it is not clear which external apps or services will be supported by this bridge, and user experiences may vary as the rollout continues.
WhatsApp will not automatically pull chats from other instant messaging platforms. Instead, users will gain the ability to connect their WhatsApp account to select external services. It is likely that connections to Telegram, Instagram, and other messaging apps and social networks could be supported, expanding the reach of WhatsApp beyond its native chats and offering a unified communication experience for users who rely on multiple platforms.
Under this setup, incoming messages from linked third-party services would not appear in the standard WhatsApp chat list. A dedicated Third Party Chats section would display all WhatsApp-related services in a separate, organized list, ensuring clarity and reducing confusion for users who manage conversations across multiple apps.
The move appears tied to regulatory and market demands, notably in the European Union, where large service providers are pressed to ensure compatibility with other messaging ecosystems. The exact timeline for when third-party message support will be available to all users has not been announced, and rollout details may vary by region and device model. Industry observers note that early access in beta programs often serves as a testing ground to refine authentication flows, privacy safeguards, and user control when bridging multiple messaging platforms, with user feedback shaping subsequent updates. Current reports suggest a cautious, gradual expansion rather than an immediate global release, allowing developers to address security and data handling concerns as features scale.
Earlier in the year, Pavel Durov signaled a broader monetization strategy for Telegram, signaling how major messaging platforms are evolving to balance revenue opportunities with user experience and privacy expectations. This context helps explain why a major player like WhatsApp is exploring third-party integrations and how such features might influence competitive dynamics in North American and Canadian markets, where users increasingly expect seamless cross-service communication and interoperability across apps and services. The evolution of these features remains closely watched by users, developers, and regulators who are tracking how privacy controls, consent practices, and data portability are implemented in practice. WABetaInfo continues to monitor and report on any additional developments as they emerge, providing ongoing insight into how these integrations may affect everyday communication for millions of users across North America and beyond.