Zoom Apps for meetings are here to compete with Microsoft Teams

Zoom App Windows 11 Store
Zoom App Windows 11 Store (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Zoom's latest update brings support for Zoom Apps for meetings.
  • These apps can integrate directly with Zoom meetings to improve productivity.
  • Microsoft Teams recently expanded support for Teams apps built for meetings.
  • Support for Zoom Events also rolls out this week.

Zoom just greatly expanded the capabilities of its meetings by launching Zoom Apps for meetings. Zoom already had integrations with 1,500 apps, but Zoom apps allow people to integrate third-party apps directly with Zoom. There are over 50 Zoom apps available at the moment, including Asana, SurveyMonkey Enterprise, and Dropbox Spaces.

Support for Zoom Apps comes with version 5.7.3 or higher of the desktop client. The update's changelog lists just a single addition, though it is a sizeable one:

Introducing Zoom Apps for meetings - Windows, macOS -Zoom Apps combine your favorite apps with the power of video communications by allowing you to access them directly in your Zoom desktop client and meetings. With Zoom Apps, you can streamline workflows, collaborate with colleagues, and also bring elements of fun and wellness into your interactions with colleagues, friends, and family members.These apps, reviewed and approved by Zoom, are available for installation directly in the desktop client or from the Zoom Marketplace. Once installed, work on projects with the app directly in the Zoom desktop client, or launch a meeting with the opened app and invite others to view and collaborate with you.

The ability to integrate apps directly with Zoom should help the service compete with the likes of Microsoft Teams. Microsoft's offering also lets people integrate apps with meetings, including users on iOS and Android.

Zoom Events is also generally available starting this week. With it, businesses can host sessions, events, and trade shows on Zoom. The consumer-aimed equivalent of Zoom Events, OnZoom, is still in beta.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_. 

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