Meta has officially ceased support for the Facebook Messenger desktop apps on Mac and Windows as of 2025-12-15. Users are now directed to use Messenger via Facebook.com or Messenger.com, aiming to streamline communication through a web-first platform.
Reasons for Discontinuation
The Messenger desktop app, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, saw limited success against business-centric competitors. Its shortcomings in video call capacity and lack of robust screen sharing options hindered its competitiveness. In an increasingly crowded field, it struggled to maintain relevance and user satisfaction.
Technical Changes and Strategy
In the years leading up to its discontinuation, the Mac version was rebuilt using Apple's Catalyst, while the Windows app became a progressive web app. These changes degraded its native performance, prompting a shift of focus back to integrating Messenger with the main Facebook app.
This move is part of Meta’s broader strategy to consolidate its services and drive engagement towards a singular platform. Users were advised earlier in the year to set a PIN to retain their chat histories before transitioning to the web version.
Implications for Users
By directing users to a web-based experience, Meta aims to unify its communication offerings and potentially enhance integration within its ecosystem. This consolidation could provide a tailwind for Facebook user engagement, albeit at the cost of native app convenience.
