What you need to know
- Facebook is dropping support for its slate of Windows Phone apps, including Messenger, Instagram, and the Facebook app itself.
- Instagram is set to lose support on April 30.
- While it was initially though Facebook and Messenger would be pulled by the same date, Facebook is now alerting users of its main app that it will no longer be available as of June 30.
Updated: June 4, 2019: In a notification being sent to Facebook users in the Windows Phone app, Facebook says the app will no long be available as of June 30. The company says users can continue using Facebook via their mobile browser. The original story follows. Thanks to Hassan N. for the tip!
Facebook began alerting Instagram users this week that the app will be retired on April 30, but it looks like it's not the only app on the chopping block. Speaking with Engadget, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that Facebook is dropping support for all of its apps on Windows phone on April 30, including its flagship app and Facebook Messenger.
As with Instagram, the alternative for anyone continuing to use a Windows 10 Mobile device will be to visit each site on the web through the mobile browser. It's unclear with currently available information whether this will impact the Windows 10 apps, but it doesn't appear as if that will be the case.
While the web apps can be pinned to your Start screen, users can also turn to alternative third-party apps, such as Winsta, to take each app's place, where available.
Windows 10 Mobile is just months from losing support from Microsoft, so it's not surprising to see high-profile apps leaving the store. Microsoft is set to end support for Windows 10 Mobile in December, meaning it will no longer receive security updates.
Android alternatives for Windows phone fans
If you're looking to make the jump from Windows phone to Android, these are some of our top picks.
Razer Phone 2 (From $500 at Amazon)
It may be a bit large, but solid battery life and a speedy refresh rate make this one worth checking out.
OnePlus 6T (From $560 at Amazon)
OnePlus has one of the best Android experiences out of the box, and the 6T is a solid phone if you don't mind the teardrop camera at the top.
Google Pixel 3 (From $755 at Amazon)
If you want a pure Android experience with one of the best cameras out there, the Pixel 3 is a solid contender.
