Meta-owned WhatsApp has deprecated its Electron-based desktop app on Windows, replacing it with a native app. The move aims to provide a more optimized, stable, and feature-rich messaging experience on desktop devices.
The Electron app was based on the Electron framework, which allows developers to create cross-platform desktop applications using web technologies. However, Electron apps can be resource-intensive and not as optimized as native apps.
WhatsApp began notifying users of the deprecation of the Electron app over four weeks ago. Users who open the Electron app on Windows will now be prompted to switch to the native app.
The native app has been available for Windows since last year, and it is considered to be more stable and feature-rich than the Electron app. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of business tools in the native app.
WhatsApp has not yet announced a timeline for deprecating the Electron app on other platforms, such as macOS and Linux.
Here are some of the benefits of the native app:
- It is more optimized and uses fewer resources.
- It is more stable and less likely to crash.
- It has a wider range of features, including support for business tools.
Here are some of the drawbacks of the native app:
- It is not yet available on all platforms.
- It does not have all of the same features as the Electron app.
Overall, the deprecation of the Electron app is a positive move for WhatsApp. The native app is more optimized and stable, and it has a wider range of features. However, some users may be disappointed by the lack of business tools in the native app.