Meta is removing its Messenger apps for Windows and macOS
Meta is removing its Messenger apps for Windows and macOS
Meta will be removing its Messenger apps for Windows and macOS, effective December 14th (Windows) and 60 days later (macOS).
Existing users on both platforms will no longer have access to the desktop apps after the deadline.
Users will need to switch to using the Facebook app or web version of Messenger on Windows, while macOS users will only have the web-based option for Messenger communications.
Meta is also planning to drop its native WhatsApp Windows app in favor of a web wrapper version soon, aiming to simplify WhatsApp development.
The removal of desktop apps marks another step in Meta’s shift towards web-based communication platforms, potentially simplifying user experiences and reducing maintenance costs.
Meta is getting ready to pull support for its desktop Messenger apps on Windows and macOS. Both apps have already been removed from the Microsoft Store and Mac App Store, and existing users are starting to get notifications that the desktop apps will disappear fully in December.
A Meta support page, first spotted by Apple Insider, reveals that Mac Messenger app users will have 60 days to use the app before it’s fully deprecated, and then a block will be put in place. The Messenger app on Windows is warning existing users that it will no longer be available on December 14th.
The removal of the Messenger desktop apps means existing Windows users will have to use the Facebook app or the web version of Messenger, and macOS users will only have the web as an option for Messenger communications. Meta is also planning to drop its native WhatsApp Windows app in favor of a web wrapper version soon, in what looks like a move to simplify WhatsApp development.
Q. Why is Meta removing its Messenger apps for Windows and macOS?
A. Meta is removing its Messenger apps for Windows and macOS to simplify development and provide a more streamlined experience.
Q. When will the Messenger app on Windows be fully deprecated?
A. The Messenger app on Windows will no longer be available as of December 14th.
Q. How much time do Mac users have left to use the Messenger app before it’s fully deprecated?
A. Mac users have 60 days to use the Messenger app before it’s fully deprecated.
Q. What alternative options will users have for Messenger communications on macOS?
A. On macOS, users will only have the web version of Messenger as an option for communication.
Q. Is Meta also removing its native WhatsApp Windows app?
A. Yes, Meta is planning to drop its native WhatsApp Windows app in favor of a web wrapper version soon.
Q. Why is Meta simplifying its development process by removing desktop apps?
A. By removing the desktop apps, Meta aims to simplify development and provide a more streamlined experience for users.
Q. What will happen to existing users after the Messenger desktop apps are removed?
A. Existing users will have to use the Facebook app or the web version of Messenger on Windows, and only the web version of Messenger on macOS.
Q. When can users expect the changes to take effect?
A. The changes are expected to take effect in December, with specific dates for each platform mentioned.
Q. Is this a permanent change, or will Meta bring back the desktop apps at some point?
A. There is no indication that Meta plans to bring back the desktop apps, as the support page mentions deprecation and blocking of access after a certain period.
Q. Will users still be able to use their existing Messenger data on the web version?
A. The text does not mention what will happen to existing user data, but it’s likely that users will be able to access their data through the web version of Messenger.
