Facebook To Remove Messaging From iPhone And Android Apps

Facebook is set to remove the messaging functionality from its Android and iOS applications, meaning users will have to download the social network’s dedicated messaging app if they wish to continue using the service.

The company has confirmed to TechWeekEurope that the changes will start in a number of European countries and it is expected the rollout will extend to all territories.

“Today we are starting to notify people that messages are moving out of the Facebook app and over to the Messenger app,” said a Facebook spokesperson. “To continue sending messages on mobile, people will need to install the Messenger app.”

Facebook Messenger

The social network claims its users receive replies up to 20 percent faster on Messenger than on Facebook and that having a separate app will allow it to add new messaging features rather than working on two separate services. However users might not be too keen on the idea of having multiple applications when they only previously needed one app.

The Verge reports that the changes will not apply to some lower-end Android devices that don’t have the memory to spare, while Windows Phone and tablet applications are also unaffected, although it is possible that Facebook Messenger apps could be launched for iPad and Microsoft’s mobile platform in the near future.

Curiously, Facebook has just bought instant messaging service WhatsApp for a whopping £11.4 billion. WhatsApp’s founders have insisted they will remain independent and that their software will never include advertising, however privacy groups have called for a probe into the acquisition, who still have concerns about what the social network plans to do with its expensive new asset.

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