Meta to Discontinue Messenger Apps for Windows and Mac
▼ Summary
– Meta is discontinuing its desktop Messenger apps for Windows and macOS, with removal from app stores already completed.
– macOS users have 60 days to use the Messenger app before it becomes blocked, while Windows users face a December 14th cutoff.
– Meta is also planning to replace its native WhatsApp Windows app with a web wrapper version to simplify development.
Meta is officially discontinuing its standalone Messenger applications for both Windows and macOS, marking a significant shift away from native desktop software. The company has already removed the apps from the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store, and current users are receiving notifications that the desktop versions will be completely phased out by December.
According to a Meta support page, users of the Mac Messenger app have a 60-day window to continue using the software before it is permanently disabled. Similarly, the Windows version is alerting users that it will cease to function after December 14th. This move effectively ends dedicated desktop access to Messenger outside of a web browser.
Once the desktop apps are retired, Windows users will need to rely on either the Facebook application or the Messenger website to send and receive messages. For those on macOS, the web version will be the only available option. This strategy appears to be part of a broader initiative by Meta to consolidate its development efforts, as the company is also preparing to replace its native WhatsApp desktop app for Windows with a web-based application.
(Source: The Verge)