Popular messaging application WhatsApp is set to roll out a radical new feature that enables messaging with people using feature phones.
The new feature, called Guest Chats, is being tested out, and once approved, WhatsApp users will be able to interact with friends and relatives who do not necessarily have the messaging app.
Details spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android by WabetaInfo suggest that the step is part of Meta's larger plan to make its platforms consistent with requirements under the new EU regulations.
The report indicates that the feature will enable one-on-one chats between WhatsApp users and non-users through a special invitation link. Once the link is sent, the invited person will not be required to download WhatsApp or create an account.
Instead, the user can simply open the link in a web browser and start chatting with the other party. Notably, the function will have similarities to WhatsApp Web, which aims to streamline users' experience.
The new feature, despite not officially rolling out, has been spotted in the Android beta version 2.25.22.13, which is a strong indicator of a public rollout in the near future. WhatsApp is, however, yet to announce the official release date.
One thing to note is that the guest chats will be limited to text-only conversations, and users will be unable to use features like media sharing, including exchanging photos, videos, GIFs and even voice notes.
Further, group chats and voice/video calls will not be supported in guest mode. The restrictions are a deliberate move by WhatsApp to maintain simplicity and minimise security concerns, particularly among the temporary users.
Interestingly, WhatsApp's latest move to allow chatting on older phones comes just months after plans to phase out several Android versions from using the app.
Following a slight delay from the initially scheduled phase-out, older iPhones and Android devices with outdated operating systems will no longer support the messaging app. The original phase-out was set to take place on May 5.
iPhone users were notified that they would need devices running iOS 15.1 or later, effective June 1, to be able to seamlessly operate WhatsApp.
Similarly, Android users using an operating system earlier than 5.1 will also not be able to use WhatsApp in any form and will be unable to send or receive messages on the app.
