Doha: Meta is planning to stop the native WhatsApp application for Windows and replacing it with a web-based version, just months after introducing a native iPad app. This strategic move marks a significant shift in how Meta intends to deliver the WhatsApp experience on desktop devices. According to Qatar News Agency, the transition to a web-based version means that the desktop experience will essentially be a packaged version of web.whatsapp.com. The new format is expected to consume more RAM and have slower startup times. Additionally, it will offer a less integrated Windows 11 experience, as features like jump lists and live previews will be removed. Meta is leveraging Microsoft's Edge WebView2 technology in the latest WhatsApp beta to facilitate this change. This technology allows Meta to package its web version of WhatsApp into a desktop app more efficiently. As noted by Windows Latest, this approach enables Meta to maintain a single code base, eliminating the need to maintain a separate native Windows app. WhatsApp was initially launched as a native app on Windows a few years ago, which allowed users to run the app without needing to sync directly with their phones. The shift to a web-based version marks a departure from this original setup, aligning with Meta's broader strategy for app development and maintenance.