WhatsApp has officially rolled out its new desktop app in Pakistan, but this latest update has taken a different direction than many users expected. Instead of improving the existing native Windows version, Meta has replaced it with a new web-based app that runs on Microsoft’s WebView2 technology. This shift follows similar updates released earlier in other international markets.
The new app appears to be a lot cleaner and smoother at first sight. It is faster and more responsive than the former version; this has been discovered by some testing by the team at ProPakistani as well as by users. The interface has also become more modern and user-friendly and provides a better overall experience. In case you have not gotten the update yet, there is no need to panic because the process is slow and is expected to cover all users in Pakistan very soon.
Native App To Web-Based Version
The previous edition of WhatsApp Desktop was a native Universal Windows Platform (UWP) application. Although it was to be better performing, users used to complain that it was lagging, freezing and randomly crashing. At this point, Meta has chosen to revert to a web-wrapper concept, i.e. the new application is basically packaged WhatsApp Web rather than a traditional Windows application.
Such a design can make development easier and more reliable in updating all operating systems. Nevertheless, time will answer whether such a practice has an ultimate positive performance effect or not.
Performance and RAM Usage
While the new app offers a better look and smoother navigation, it also consumes more memory. According to reports from Windows Latest, version 2.2584.3.0 of the new app can use up to 2GB of RAM during heavy usage — a massive jump from the 120 MB used by the previous native version.
This might cause performance issues for people using older or budget laptops, especially since many in Pakistan rely on WhatsApp for business and personal communication. However, considering that the old app also struggled on low-end computers, this might not be a major downgrade in practical terms.
Design and Features
The new WhatsApp desktop application has a simplified interface with fewer menus and a simpler design. The notifications and settings are not the same to some users as they used to be. Conversely, the addition of various new features has equally been undertaken such as the WhatsApp Channels support, enhanced integration with Status updates, and simplified access to Communities.
These enhancements still do not present the new application as being in line with the native style of windows 11 which can be disappointing to users who desire a more integrated windows experience.
The primary force behind such a move of Meta is to facilitate development and reduce the maintenance costs. WhatsApp can now support Windows and macOS, along with other operating systems, through the WebView2 framework, which allows the company to only have a single version of the desktop application.
Such a single system enables the adoption of changes to be more effective and faster.
Certain features still remain unavailable, but they are to be reinstated by Meta with the regular updates.
The new WhatsApp Desktop application in Pakistan is not a flawless one, yet it is a move in the right direction of improved functionality, compatibility, and device integration. It may consume additional memory but it is more refined than ever. It is recommended that the user should update their app as the new version is being rolled out nationwide.
Feature Comparison: Old vs New WhatsApp Desktop App
| Feature | Old (Native UWP App) | New (Web-Based App) |
| Technology Used | Native Windows (UWP) | WebView2 (Browser-based) |
| Performance | Often laggy and unstable | Smoother and faster |
| RAM Usage | Around 120 MB | Up to 2 GB under load |
| Design Style | Matched Windows 11 interface | Web-style, minimal design |
| Notifications & Settings | More detailed options | Simplified layout |
| WhatsApp Channels | Not supported | Supported |
| Communities Integration | Limited | Improved |
| Cross-Platform Updates | Slower, separate builds | Faster, unified version |
| Overall Experience | Outdated and buggy | Modern, consistent, but heavier |
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