Meta discontinues Messenger Lite on Android, causing user discontent over lost features and shift to Facebook Lite

Meta has finally decided to discontinue Messenger Lite on Android (the iOS version was discontinued in 2020), an application known for its speed design and basic features. The app was a favorite among users with limited data or those who desired a more simplified communication platform, and it was especially popular in developing countries like India or Latin America. Messenger Lite is no longer available for download on the Play Store, and existing users are being redirected to the Facebook Lite app instead.

This transition to the Facebook Lite app is proving to be problematic, since the new app does not include a calling feature, which was a key component of Messenger Lite. Users have also reported that the messaging interface of Facebook Lite is more complex than that of Messenger Lite, which is obvious considering that this app aims to encompass the vast majority of features of the social network and not just the messaging or calling component.

Alongside the termination of Messenger Lite, Meta plans to end SMS support in Messenger by September 28, 2023. This announcement has stirred unease among the app's dedicated user base, who valued its essential messaging capabilities. There is speculation that the changes are part of Meta's strategy to increase the visibility of the main Messenger app. It's worth noting that users can still access their messages through the Facebook site on their desktop using a browser.