WhatsApp working on Windows Store app for Windows 10

May 16, 2017 05:42 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft announced at the Build developer conference that Apple would bring iTunes to the Windows Store, and now more developers seem to at least plan on doing the same thing in the near future.

WhatsApp is one of the companies that are very close to launching a Windows 10 desktop app, as a recent listing in the Windows Store indicated that users of Microsoft’s latest operating system might soon have a way to chat with their contacts without the need for connecting to WhatsApp Web or using the desktop app.

Without a doubt, a Windows Store version of WhatsApp isn’t really big news for Windows 10 users, especially because there are already several third-party apps that let you do that. Furthermore, porting the desktop WhatsApp program to the Windows Store shouldn’t be such a big deal given that it’s mostly a web wrapper.

On the other hand, a Windows Store version of WhatsApp would allow adopters of the upcoming Windows 10 S to stay in touch with their phone contacts as well, as they won’t be allowed to install the desktop version.

But even in this case, turning to third-party apps or even to the browser allows them to connect to WhatsApp from their PCs and laptops, so it’s hard to believe that a Windows Store version of WhatsApp will generate too much excitement.

The Apple effect

News of Apple launching iTunes in the Windows Store indirectly contributed to increasing interest in the platform, as more developers are now looking into Windows 10 simply because a company the size of the iPhone maker decided to do it.

Microsoft has every reason to be pleased about convincing Apple to launch iTunes in the Windows Store, and without a doubt, the company should continue its collaboration efforts with other big developers to do the same thing with their apps.

Attracting the biggest developers on Windows 10 is one of the easiest ways to stir up interest in Windows Store apps because once top names like Apple join this effort, many other smaller developers are likely to follow in its footsteps and at least have a look at the platform.