Meta revives Facebook Groups with new iPhone app featuring AI search
The standalone application, available exclusively on iOS, mirrors Reddit’s interface while integrating Meta’s artificial intelligence to source answers from existing group discussions.
Meta has launched Forum, a dedicated standalone iPhone application that consolidates Facebook Groups into a single feed. The release effectively revives the functionality of the original Facebook Groups app, which was discontinued in 2017. The new platform allows users to view, search for, and post advice directly within their communities, supported by an integrated artificial intelligence chatbot designed to assist with queries.
Upon logging in with a Facebook account, the app automatically populates the user’s feed with posts from existing groups and suggests new communities to join. The interface is designed to resemble Reddit, offering a similar browsing experience, though it retains Facebook’s real-name identity policy rather than allowing pseudonymity. Users can also access a mini-profile view that displays only their group-related activity.
A central feature of the application is the AI chatbot, accessible via an 'Ask' tab. This tool searches through group posts to provide advice and answers, mirroring the functionality of Google’s AI Overview by citing specific source posts within its generated responses. In testing, the chatbot referenced relevant discussions and suggested local groups based on the user’s location, with results including links to the original conversations for full context.
Meta communications manager Feryal Hemamda confirmed the launch to The Verge, stating that the company tests new products publicly to gauge user interest and utility. The launch represents a strategic move to centralise community engagement, offering an alternative to external platforms where users might otherwise seek niche advice or information.
The application is currently available exclusively for iPhones. It remains unclear whether Meta plans to release a version for Android devices or other platforms in the future. The company has indicated that the current iteration is a public test, with no guarantee of a permanent full launch or long-term commitment to the standalone product.
