If you use WhatsApp on macOS, you may soon need to redownload the app on your device. The older WhatsApp app is still available, but Meta (WhatsApp’s parent company) has confirmed that this version will be shutting down soon.
The older version of WhatsApp is built on Electron framework, an open-source software that allows you to convert a web app into a desktop app. According to 9to5MacMeta has completely rebuilt the WhatsApp app. This means that you will need to install the new version if you want to continue using the WhatsApp app on your desktop.
9to5Mac Quotes WABetaInfowho kept running the older WhatsApp app on a Mac and got a message that the app would not be available for 54 days (at the time of writing). When this happens, Meta says users should download the rebuilt desktop app from the official WhatsApp website or from the App Store for Mac.
Catalyst’s new WhatsApp app
The new WhatsApp Mac desktop app is built using Catalyst, Apple’s software framework that lets developers make iOS apps (the mobile operating system that powers iPhones) run natively on macOS devices. 9to5Mac reports that downloading and installing the new app will preserve all of your existing chats and contacts.
The new WhatsApp for macOS, built with Catalyst, uses the iPhone app as a base to run natively, and reportedly offers better performance than the Electron-based web app. While the web version is useful, it lacks many features, making the native macOS app a superior option for Mac users.
9to5Mac points out that the older WhatsApp app for Mac is still used by some, possibly because the newer app seemingly arrives without some key features. However, it reassures readers that most of the functionality from the older app has been ported over to the newer app.
You can download WhatsApp for Mac for free from the Mac App Store or the official WhatsApp websiteand you need to make sure your device is running macOS 11 or later.