May 28, 2026, 9:18 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Meta is testing a new app for Facebook groups. The application is called “Forum” and is initially available only for iPhones. The company is once again focusing on a standalone platform for communities and discussions. The concept is reminiscent of Reddit, but with one important difference. While anonymous posts are common on Reddit, Forum remains closely linked to Facebook.
A Facebook account is still required for use. After logging in, the app automatically adopts the existing profile and previous activities. According to a report by the online magazine “Engadget,” anonymous discussions are therefore not intended. Users can use an anonymized name so that other participants do not directly see their real identity. However, group administrators will still be able to identify who is behind a profile.
Groups Are the Focus
Unlike the regular Facebook app, Forum displays only content from groups. The classic feed with posts from friends or pages is completely omitted. Instead, the application focuses on discussions within communities. Upon first launch, Forum asks about areas of interest and then displays relevant content and groups.
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Posts also appear simultaneously in the regular Facebook app, allowing conversations to continue seamlessly in both applications. Meta had already released a standalone groups app in 2014, but it was discontinued in 2017. With Forum, a new attempt is being made, this time with additional AI features.
Meta Integrates AI into the App
The new application is designed not only to consolidate discussions but also to offer AI support. The “Ask” feature searches multiple groups simultaneously and filters out suitable answers. Additionally, Meta integrates an AI assistant for administrators to help with the management and moderation of groups.
Meta confirmed to “Engadget” that Forum is still in an open testing phase. The company wants to find out which features users actually use and where improvements are needed. The app was likely released without much fanfare for this reason. Currently, Forum is only available for iOS, and there is no Android version yet. How users will react to the new groups app remains to be seen.