With all the mobile applications launching the lighter version of their apps, Facebook also came up with with the Messenger Lite app in October 2016, but it was available only for Android users back then. After two years of its existence, the lite app is being now rolled out on for iOS users as well, however, it will only be available in Turkey for now.
The Messenger Lite app, like all the other lite apps, is small in size, uses less data, and works even in spotty connectivity. The Facebook messenger’s lite app is only 10MB in size whereas the normal Messenger app is huge around 140MB in size on the App Store. In comparison, the Facebook Lite app for iOS is about 16.3MB in size.
The company is planning to roll out the app on iOS in other countries as well but it may take some time. The company seems to be testing the experience of the lite app on iOS as well.
“When we first rolled out FB Lite and Messenger Lite as standalone apps, our goal was to deliver the power of a native app, with as many of the same features as possible while still being lightweight. Up until now, Facebook Lite and Messenger Lite have only been available on Android. Now we’re testing these experiences on iOS. We’re committed to connecting people with the things they care about – no matter their connection, device, or where they live,” said a Facebook spokesperson.
The Messenger Lite app has basic chat features like sending text messages, photos, videos, or links to an individual or a group, however, the app does not show the real-time online status of users.
The app was launched keeping in view the emerging markets and was rolled out in India in July last year. Also, the app got the video chat option this year, which enabled video calling even in low network areas.