WhatsApp has officially released its new desktop app in Pakistan, but it may be a little different from what users expected. Instead of the old native Windows version, Meta has replaced it with a web-based version using Microsoft’s WebView2 technology. This change has already been introduced in other countries.
What’s New in the App?
The new desktop app is smoother and more user-friendly than the old one. It looks better, cleaner, and more modern. Some features, like WhatsApp Channels and better integration with Status and Communities, have been added.
However, the app is now more like a packaged version of WhatsApp Web rather than a fully native desktop program. This means it runs in a web wrapper inside Windows, instead of being built specifically for Windows like the older app.
Performance and RAM Usage
One thing to note is that the new app uses more RAM, which could affect older or low-end PCs. While the old app used about 120 MB of memory, the new version can use up to 2 GB of RAM when used heavily. Despite this, many users say the old app often lagged or crashed, so the new app may still feel better overall.
Simpler Design
The interface of the new app is simpler and more basic. Some settings have changed, notifications work differently, and the app no longer follows the Windows 11 look closely.
The goal seems to be making WhatsApp easier to develop and update, rather than adding every feature right away. Over time, missing features may appear as Meta continues to improve the app.
Why Meta Made This Change
Meta is shifting to a web-based model to make development easier. By using WebView2, they can maintain one core version of WhatsApp across Windows, macOS, and other platforms. This reduces the need to build separate apps for each operating system.
Availability
Not everyone in Pakistan has the new app yet. If you don’t see it, don’t worry — it should be available soon.
Conclusion
The new WhatsApp Desktop app in Pakistan brings a cleaner interface, added features, and better integration with channels and communities, even though it uses more memory and is simpler than the old native version. Overall, it is a step towards a unified and easier-to-update WhatsApp experience across all platforms.
