Overview
- A limited rollout is live for EU users on WhatsApp beta, including iOS TestFlight version 25.32.10.72, with similar functionality already testing on Android.
- Once enabled, users can exchange texts, photos, videos, voice notes and documents with contacts on supported external apps without leaving WhatsApp.
- Third‑party chats are off by default and include controls for notifications, media quality and whether messages appear in a combined inbox or a separate section.
- WhatsApp says third‑party messages remain end‑to‑end encrypted and services must pass a security review, though features like status, stickers and disappearing messages are not yet supported and WhatsApp blocks do not automatically carry over.
- BirdyChat is the first approved integration, with third‑party group chats planned for a later phase and cross‑platform calling reported as unlikely before 2027.