WhatsApp to ditch native Windows app in favor of web-based version

Meta is preparing to phase out its native WhatsApp app for Windows, according to a report from The Verge.

The move comes to light following an analysis of the latest beta version of the messaging platform. Instead of a standalone app, WhatsApp is transitioning to a web-based desktop experience, a change that will not only affect the interface, but also alter how notifications and settings are handled.

In the new beta, WhatsApp now runs on Microsoft Edge WebView2 — a framework that essentially wraps the web version into a desktop application. This approach allows Meta to streamline development by maintaining a single codebase, eliminating the need to support a separate native Windows app.

The change has been met with disappointment from users, primarily due to the redesigned interface and increased RAM usage. The new version reportedly consumes more system resources than its predecessor.