Meta has officially discontinued its Messenger desktop application for Mac and Windows users as of 2023. The company is guiding users to transition to web platforms like Messenger.com for messaging services. This decision aligns with Meta's strategic focus on web-based experiences and reintegrating Messenger with the main Facebook app.
Transition Details and Timeline
Users currently receive in-app notifications alerting them of the desktop app shutdown. A 60-day period has been provided for transitioning to web alternatives before access is blocked. Meta advises removing the desktop app once it becomes non-functional. According to Meta's support page, the Messenger app for Mac has been deprecated, with users redirected to the Facebook website for continued messaging post-deprecation.
Market Challenges and Strategic Shift
- Meta officially discontinued Messenger desktop app for Mac and Windows on 2023.
- Users have a 60-day period to transition to web platforms before restriction.
- Desktop version lacked competitive features such as screen sharing and large group calls.
- Messenger app for Mac was built on Apple's Catalyst framework, receiving criticism.
- Web version maintains encrypted messaging and media sharing capabilities.
The desktop version failed to compete with business-focused apps due to lacking features like screen sharing. In 2023, Meta signaled its reduced investment in standalone desktop experiences as part of a broader strategy to incorporate Messenger back into the Facebook app. Despite the move, essential web-based features will continue to support encrypted messaging and media sharing.
This strategic shift might disappoint users who relied on the desktop app for multitasking and work-related tasks, but Meta is confident in the web version's ability to meet core user needs.
