Controversial decision from WhatsApp! It is removing that application...

WhatsApp, under the Meta umbrella, has decided to terminate its dedicated desktop application for the Windows platform. Instead, an Edge WebView2-based web application will be offered. This step indicates that WhatsApp is moving away from its desktop application identity and transitioning to a browser-based structure.

While the user interface becomes simpler with the new system, system integration is weakening. RAM usage is increasing, notification features are being restricted, and the settings menu is becoming more basic. Furthermore, this new structure is not compatible with the modern interface design of Windows 11.

WhatsApp's old desktop application provided deep integration with Windows' WinUI technology. Users could easily utilize functions such as desktop notifications and quick access to settings. However, most of these features are lost with the new web-based version.

Meta states that this change offers certain advantages. It is emphasized that Channels, Communities, and Status features have become more functional in the new beta version. Additionally, using a single codebase for both web and desktop platforms simplifies maintenance and development processes. It is also stated that this model is more sustainable in terms of cost.

However, it is observed that it falls behind previous native versions in terms of user experience and performance. The advantages such as speed and reliability previously offered by native Windows and macOS applications are no longer valid. Especially for those who use WhatsApp heavily on the desktop, this change brings significant loss of functionality.