Facebook Messenger's data saving Lite version rolls out worldwide

Facebook Messenger Lite, a dialed down version of Facebook’s chat app is expanding to the US, UK, Canada, and Ireland.

The Android-only app was originally launched for users in areas with limited internet connectivity and slow speeds. Initially available in about 100 developing markets, the app has expanded into more technologically advanced states.

In terms of functioning, the Messenger Lite performs similar functions to the regular Messenger app and packs most of the critical features of the app, but skips things like Messenger Day and selfie lenses that can drain data.



By definition, the app doesn’t plan to introduce an iOS version as the main purpose of creating a lite version was to target mid-range to entry-level Android devices, according to TechCrunch.

Facebook’s main app also has a Lite version since 2015 with its user base swelling to 200 million in February this year.



With over a billion people not having access to 3G and 4G network coverage, these slimmed-down versions of mainstream apps were essential for the social media giant to incorporate.

They are smaller than 10MB to download and require fewer system resources.

This article originally appeared on Mashable.