WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is introducing a fresh translation feature for its Android and iOS applications. This new function will enable users to translate their messages in real-time.
Meta is planning a “gradual” introduction of a new translation feature for WhatsApp on both Android and iOS platforms. This feature will offer users the chance to translate their messages in direct chats, groups, and Channels. This can be done by holding the message for a longer duration and selecting the “Translate” option. Users will then have the freedom to select the languages for translation.
According to Meta, each translation will be processed on the device itself, which means that WhatsApp will not have access to the content of the messages, thereby ensuring that all conversations are kept encrypted.
Android users will receive a more enhanced translation feature, even though the number of supported languages is less. Following the translation of a message, they will have the option to activate the automatic translation for the entire conversation and view the translated versions of all future messages.
On the other hand, iPhone users will have the privilege of using the feature in a wider range of languages. In total, WhatsApp on iOS will support translation between 19 languages, as supported by Apple’s Translate app. However, Android users will only have access to translation services in six languages.
This new feature from Meta follows closely on the heels of Apple’s own introduction of Live Translation on its Messages app in iOS 26. Similar to what Meta offers Android users on WhatsApp, this feature operates automatically while messages are being typed.
The introduction of this translation feature on WhatsApp could be seen as part of a larger trend of automated translation technology, which has been gaining popularity in recent years. Learning new languages can be a daunting task, making reliable translation tools a necessity for many. Given the global reach of WhatsApp, this feature could potentially have greater impact than Apple’s Live Translation tool.
What is the new feature being introduced by WhatsApp?
WhatsApp is introducing a real-time translation feature for Android and iOS users.
Will WhatsApp have access to the content of my messages?
No, WhatsApp will not have access to the content of your messages as all translations are processed on the device itself.
How does the feature work on Android and iOS?
Android users will have the option to activate automatic translation for entire conversations once they translate a message. iPhone users, however, will have access to translation between a wider range of languages.
