Cross-platform messaging is coming
The “third party chats” title appeared in the beta 2.23.19.8 version of the WhatsApp Android application. Tapping the header does nothing yet, but it’s a sign that Meta will introduce cross-platform messaging on its way to complying with the EU Digital Markets Act. WhatsApp has until March 2024 to roll out this feature.
It is not yet clear how cross-platform interoperability will be in WhatsApp and what the chat screen will look like with non-WhatsApp users. When the feature is enabled, people who do not use WhatsApp for messaging will be able to send you messages on WhatsApp. Thus, he will be able to contact you without having to install WhatsApp and create an account. It is unknown if this feature will come to markets outside of Europe.