Meta has revealed a significant change in its approach to WhatsApp for Windows, opting to discontinue the native application in favor of a web version. This decision comes just months after the launch of the native WhatsApp for iPad, according to The Verge.

WhatsApp on Windows will no longer function as a standalone application with Windows UI support. Instead, it will operate as a web application wrapped using Microsoft's Edge WebView2 technology. This allows Meta to maintain a single codebase but comes with drawbacks: the new version will consume more RAM, and the interface will appear less 'native' to Windows 11.

The updated beta version also introduces new features, including support for WhatsApp Channels and enhanced status and community options. However, overall, the app has been simplified, with a reduced settings interface and modified notifications.

This decision has disappointed many users, especially since Meta had recently emphasized the advantages of native applications—better performance, stability, and more functionality.

Notably, the native version of WhatsApp for Windows lasted only a few years, allowing users to utilize the messaging service without being tethered to a smartphone.