Meta is preparing to retire the macOS and Windows versions of its Messenger app before the end of the year. The date when the application will be completely disabled was announced as December 15. From this date, desktop users will be able to access their messages only through the browser or with the help of mobile applications. In the statement made by Meta, no clear reason was provided for this decision.
It was stated that users will be notified that the desktop version will be terminated. Following notifications, access to the application will be blocked and it will not be possible to log in. In addition, the chat experience that Meta provides through the desktop application will be replaced entirely by web-based systems. This change marks a period in which habits will be reshaped for those who actively use the desktop. Although removing the application seems like a technical decision, it appears that user behavior is influential underneath. In particular, the importance of mobile devices in messaging processes may have directly triggered this decision.
Recommends some steps to preserve meta message histories
Meta recommends some steps for users to preserve their message history after closing the desktop application. At this point, first of all, you need to switch to the “Privacy and Security” tab within the application. Then, the “Message Storage” setting is accessed from the “End-to-end encrypted chats” menu. It is important for users to activate the “Enable Secure Storage” option in this section. In addition, defining a PIN code is required to increase account security. These settings will ensure that messages can be stored safely in the future.
Messenger was first separated from the Facebook application in 2014 and became an independent messaging service. This change at that time was aimed at providing a simpler user experience, away from the functional complexity within Facebook. Over the years, the app has been improved in various aspects and has occasionally attempted to integrate with Instagram’s Direct Message feature. However, this merger plan was quietly abandoned in 2023. Since then, Meta has focused on making its messaging services simpler, more secure and directly appealing to the user. The decision taken today to terminate the desktop application can be considered as a continuation of this simplification process.
While the usage rate of web and mobile applications is increasing every year, the desktop version has difficulty keeping up with this change. The majority of users prefer to carry out their messaging transactions via mobile devices. This has led to a decrease in the need for desktop platforms over time. On the other hand, Messenger, which can be accessed via web browsers, has the capacity to largely replace the desktop experience. It seems that the web version offers a more practical experience, especially in terms of performance, notification management and multi-device synchronization. So it’s no surprise that Meta is encouraging this transition.
Removing the desktop version may also lead to loss of productivity for some users. This decision may cause some problems for people who work in front of the computer for a long time and prefer to message through an independent application other than the browser. However, the alternative platforms offered by Meta support most functions, making this transition smoother. On the other hand, the fact that technical problems arising from the application installation and update processes will be eliminated can also be considered an advantage. In this respect, the end of the desktop application may even be welcomed by some users. Placing web platforms at the center of user experience shows that future innovations will be shaped in this direction.
It is a striking detail that Meta paid special attention to security measures when finalizing the desktop application. The secure storage feature and PIN verification system reveal that the company wants to take more conscious steps to protect users’ data. While data privacy in messaging applications becomes more prominent every year, Meta’s sensitivity may be welcomed by users. Although the transition process may pose some difficulties at first, a more stable and secure experience may be possible in the long run. Moreover, thanks to central management, software maintenance processes can be made more efficient.
Looking back, the desktop version of Messenger has become a structure that has not received innovations for a long time and the number of users has decreased over time. This may create problems for Meta in terms of sustainability. Directing all focus points to mobile and web-based solutions also enables more effective use of developer resources. Moreover, user trends also support this approach. In a period where mobile messaging has become so widespread, desktop independent applications have begun to fall into the background.