Copilot AI won't work on WhatsApp after January 2026, but it isn't Microsoft's fault — this is about Meta

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Following Meta's recent updates to WhatsApp’s platform policies, Microsoft's Copilot AI and other third-party chatbots will no longer be available on the platform after January 15, 2026.

Whatsapp for Windows PC
(Image credit: Windows Central)
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Generative AI-powered chatbots have been heavily integrated across virtually every platform that we interact with. Microsoft has been notorious at this, especially ever since its multibillion-dollar partnership with OpenAI. The company even wants to evolve Windows into an agentic OS despite backlash from users.

Late last month, Microsoft announced that Copilot is leaving WhatsApp. The tool shipped to WhatsApp in late 2024 to help users connect their AI companion in a "familiar and everyday setting".

However, this will no longer be the case following recent changes to WhatsApp’s platform policies, which explicitly dictate the removal of LLM chatbots from the platform. As such, users will no longer be able to use Copilot directly from WhatsApp from January 15, 2026. By extension, OpenAI’s ChatGPT will also stop working on WhatsApp after the highlighted date.

While speaking to TechCrunch, a Meta spokesman indicated:

“The purpose of the WhatsApp Business API is to help businesses provide customer support and send relevant updates. Our focus is on supporting the tens of thousands of businesses who are building these experiences on WhatsApp.”

Copilot will still work on plenty of other apps. (Image credit: Getty Images | Cheng Xin)

This means Meta will no longer permit third-party AI chatbots from companies like Microsoft and OpenAI to use its API as a distribution platform. Instead, Meta appears to be doubling down on its generative AI business, positioning Meta AI services and products to uniquely leverage WhatsApp’s vast user base.

Microsoft says that users can continue using Copilot across other platforms, including Windows, the web, and the mobile app for Android and iOS.

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Kevin Okemwa
Kevin Okemwa
Contributor

Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.

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