Meta has revealed plans to phase out the native WhatsApp desktop app for Windows, a strategic change that mirrors broader industry trends. Users will now be encouraged to rely on the platform’s web-based version in its place. Although this change might not seem like much at first, it represents a major shift in WhatsApp’s strategy for long-term growth and cross-platform accessibility.
Why Ditch the Native App?
What’s to come is already hinted at in the most recent WhatsApp for Windows beta release. A revamped UI that more closely resembles the browser experience has been spotted by early users, indicating the company’s intention to unify its platforms. Although Meta has not made a thorough justification for the change public, many analysts think it was made to make development easier.
Compared to creating and maintaining separate versions for Windows, macOS, and mobile, maintaining a single codebase is quicker, less expensive, and more scalable. Developers can provide a more consistent user experience across devices, bring new features more quickly, and fix errors more swiftly.
Meta is not the only company using this streamlining technique. In recent years, other digital behemoths like Google and Microsoft have also shifted their services toward web-first or hybrid models. All of this is a part of a larger trend toward browser-accessible, cloud-native solutions.
Performance Trade-offs
However, not everyone is thrilled about the change. Sure, the web version of WhatsApp may have more features than it used to, supporting end-to-end encryption, voice and video calls, and multi-device login. But it also comes with performance compromises.
According to testers, the web version uses about 30% more RAM than the native Windows app. It feels less integrated with the Windows operating system and is typically slower. During lengthy discussions, file transfers, or video calls, users with mid-range or older PCs may noticeably lag.
Furthermore, the web wrapper appears visually out of place because it does not adhere to the Fluent Design System, which is used by all Windows apps. Notifications behave differently and might not be as reliable or responsive.
So What Should Users Expect?
Despite the downsides, WhatsApp Web still delivers most of what users need. You can send texts, voice messages, images, and documents just like on the native app. Features such as group chats, emoji reactions, and dark mode are all intact. The advantage lies in rapid updates, fewer compatibility issues, and tighter integration with WhatsApp’s mobile-first features.
For users, the transition will be gradual. If you’re still using the Windows app, you’ll likely see prompts suggesting a switch to the web version.
The Future of WhatsApp on Desktop
WhatsApp originally launched its desktop app in 2021 to give users a more stable and responsive alternative to the browser version. Now, ironically, the web version is reclaiming that spotlight. This pivot hints at a future where the lines between desktop and browser apps continue to blur.
It also raises questions: will macOS be next? Could Linux support improve via the browser route? And how will competitors like Telegram or Signal respond?
