According to the new beta version of WhatsApp, Meta seems to be replacing its current native app for Windows with a progressive web app.
The WhatsApp Beta on Windows, version 2.2569.0.0, is no longer a native Windows app, as Windows Latest noted. Meta plans to rename the WhatsApp beta for Windows to a progressive web app (PWA). This could affect usage. Meta has not announced the change itself, except that “the appearance and operation of WhatsApp Beta has been updated”.
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From Native to PWA
The WhatsApp Beta on Windows, version 2.2569.0.0, is no longer a native Windows app. According to Windows Latest, the new app would consume about thirty percent more than the Windows version.
The version includes a new look such as icons for calling or chatting. Additionally, Meta is adding extra features including Channels, Communities, and Status. These options were already available in the web version of WhatsApp but not yet in the app.
It is not yet clear why WhatsApp is making this transition, although Windows Latest suspects this makes it easier for Meta to maintain the chat service, as the new app uses the same codebase as the web version.