Facebook users who want to send and receive messages via their iOS and Android devices will soon only be able to do so via the social network’s Messenger applications, as messaging will be removed from its flagship applications for both operating systems, Facebook confirmed toTechCrunch.

News of this potential move was first reported in April by TechCrunch and The Verge, and the social network started the process in Europe, telling TechCrunch it elected to proceed after seeing “positive results” in terms of engagement, adding that Messenger users reply about 20 percent quicker, and both its flagship and Messenger apps will benefit from not having to support different chat formats.

According to TechCrunch, users who access Facebook via mobile Web, iPads, feature phones and desktop will not be forced to install and use Messenger in order to send and receive messages.

The social network said in a statement provided to TechCrunch:

In the next few days, we’re continuing to notify more people that if they want to send and receive Facebook messages, they’ll need to download the Messenger app. As we’ve said, our goal is to focus development efforts on making Messenger the best mobile messaging experience possible and avoid the confusion of having separate Facebook mobile messaging experiences. Messenger is used by more than 200 million people every month, and we’ll keep working to make it an even more engaging way to connect with people.

Screenshot courtesy of TechCrunch.

Article by allfacebook.com