This special feature is going to be available on WhatsApp, know what is the Cross-Platform Chats feature

Cross-Platform Chats: WhatsApp is rolling out a feature for its users that could bring a major change to the world of chatting. You won't need to download separate messaging apps like Telegram or Signal anymore, as you'll be able to chat with people on other platforms right within WhatsApp.

What is WhatsApp's Cross-Platform Chat feature?

The Meta-owned instant messaging app has been working on cross-platform messaging for a long time. Now, according to a report by WABetaInfo, some users in the European Union have received a beta version of this feature for testing.

With this feature, WhatsApp users will now be able to send messages to people who use third-party apps (like Signal or Telegram). To activate it, you'll need to go to Settings > Account > Third-party Chats.

What new will be found in the feature

This new WhatsApp option will allow users to send messages, photos, videos, voice notes, and documents. Additionally, you can organize your incoming chats in two ways.

Combined Inbox: All WhatsApp and third-party chats will be visible together.

Separate Inbox: A separate folder will be created for third-party chats.

However, this feature won't allow for features like status updates, stickers, or disappearing messages. Furthermore, people you've blocked on WhatsApp can still contact you through third-party apps.

What will be the impact on privacy and security?

Users will have the option to decide whether they want to receive instant notifications for chat requests from third-party apps or review them later.

While WhatsApp claims it won't be able to read the contents of third-party chats, these apps will have different data protection policies. These chats will still be protected by end-to-end encryption.

Optional feature, launch starts in Europe

The most important thing is that this feature will be completely optional. Meaning, you can turn it off if you want, and WhatsApp will continue to work as before.

According to reports, this feature will launch in the European Union in early 2026. However, voice and video calling is expected to arrive on other platforms by 2027.