And WhatsApp is now one of the tons of web apps that global giants have been transitioning to, right? Not sure if it was yesterday or the other day but definitely within this week, when I just powered on my computer and tried to launch WhatsApp, the typical chat list window wouldn't show up and I was met with a sign-in screen and web interface instead. I checked my iPhone and verified that my computer was disconnected from my WhatsApp account. When I scanned the QR code to relink my computer, I was surprised that the old WhatsApp desktop interface with which I was quite familiar, was gone, and the even older web interface was back.
Comments
Is WhatsApp no longer accessible on Windows?
Sorry I don't use any of Meta's applications or services, save for the smart glasses and Meta AI app. Did they break accessibility, I do know there are a handful of NVDA add-ons for the Windows application.
@Bryan
It is now older versions of WhatsApp, it has some sort of web page style.
Re: Webpage style
So... it is accessible then? 😕
Clarification
WhatsApp has been testing this change in their beta version for quite some time now—around three to six months, if memory serves.
Previously, we had a fully native desktop app, and NVDA add-ons, along with all related features, worked beautifully. With the new version, however, the app is no longer native. Instead, selecting the WhatsApp icon in the Start menu launches a window that essentially loads the WhatsApp Web interface, very similar to what you’d see on web.whatsapp.com. As a result, NVDA add-ons and the useful keyboard shortcuts they provided are no longer supported.
I strongly encourage everyone to submit feedback through Meta’s official feedback channels. They do have a dedicated accessibility team, and they seem to be reasonably active in addressing ongoing issues.
Re: Clarification
Thank you for the clarification. That makes a lot more sense now.
WhatsApp beta
Install WhatsApp beta from Microsoft Store and there will be no accessibility issues.
https://aryaniraula.com.np/whatsapp-windows-accessibility/
Shame it's not as good on mac
This is one of the things I loved on windows as the whatsapp app on mac is, like most apps on mac, a mess to navigate. Sad to hear that it's hitting a few bumps on windows too. It's the main messaging service in europe, not sure why. iMessage, for some reason, has never really gained traction. I'd guess its because there are significantly more android users than there are in the states.
I'm hopeful if the beta is looking better.
Maybe, even in time, they'll fix the mac app. The older version was really good, then it did exactly this, became a messy web style interface, as far as I could tell, anyway.
@ mantanini
Came here with issues and found the solution. Thanks so much for this!