The End of Meta’s Messenger Lite App: What to Expect?

Is Meta’s Messenger Lite App going to shut down forever?

Meta has begun informing Android users that its Messenger Lite app will soon be shut down. It does not mean much in the broader scheme and will likely have a limited impact given the expansion of network technology.

What does 9 to 5 Google say or report about it?

As reported by 9 to 5 Google, Messenger Lite users on Android are now seeing a new pop-up message informing them that it will be sunset as of September 18. Messenger Lite on iOS was shut down back in 2020.

9 to 5 Google says that opening the app today reveals a fullscreen for some, and hence, it advises its users to use Messenger to keep chatting.

They are further saying that there will be no impact on conversation history. They know that your chats are important to you, so everything from Messenger Lite is still available in the Messenger app.

So, given the advancement of connective networks, Meta sees little use in supporting the separate Messenger Lite app.

Messenger Lite was designed to connect users with limited device space and low connectivity to the broader Meta network.

When was the Messenger Lite app launched?

Initially launched in 2016, Messenger Lite reached 50 million Google Play Store downloads just a year later, underlining the demand for a lo-fi version of Meta’s messaging platform in various regions.

What was the reason for the shutdown of Messenger’s Lite app?

But six years on, with mobile adoption continuing to rise, there is little need for a separate version of the platform anymore, with more people now able to use the full-functioned Messenger app to engage in digital chats.

What does Meta say about its decision to shut the Messenger Lite app permanently?

Meta says that starting August 21, people using the Messenger Lite app for Android will be directed to Messenger or FB Lite to send and receive messages on Messenger.

So, it’s short on detail, but Meta is still supporting Facebook Lite as an option, at least for now.

What will be the impact on users of this shutdown?

The impact will likely be minimal due to the broader expansion of more advanced options, but the change in Meta’s product direction is worth noting.

 Are there any other reasons that Meta shut down the Messenger Lite app?  

Meta is also looking to reduce costs wherever it can, and it could be that the lesser-used Messenger Lite is not worth the investment anymore.

What more Meta will shut down in the coming days or near future?

So, more people will be on Messenger instead, while Facebook Lite could see an influx of users. As noted by TechCrunch, Meta is also shutting down support for SMS on Messenger next month.

Do you want to know more?

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