WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will let you chat with people who do not even use WhatsApp. This feature is called Guest Chats, and it was spotted in the beta version of WhatsApp for Android (2.25.22.13). It is expected to roll out soon to both Android and iOS users.
The feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo, a trusted source for WhatsApp-related updates.
With Guest Chats, you can send a chat link to someone through SMS, email, or social media. When they click the link, they will be able to talk to you without creating a WhatsApp account. The conversation will happen on a browser-based interface similar to WhatsApp Web. And yes, it will still be end-to-end encrypted.
However, there are some restrictions. Guest users will not be able to send media files, voice messages, GIFs, or make video calls. The feature is meant only for simple text-based conversations.
This new feature is likely WhatsApp’s way of complying with the European Union’s new rules that push big platforms to work with each other. These rules require messaging apps to allow cross-platform communication.
WhatsApp has not officially announced the feature yet, but since it is already in beta testing, the public release might not be too far away.
