WhatsApp is rolling out on-device message translations for Android and iPhone, allowing users to communicate across languages without compromising privacy. Android users download language packs for translations, while iPhone relies on Apple’s system, with more languages coming soon.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Message translations |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | The latest versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS are designated as compatible updates. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some users, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming weeks. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.27.1: what's new? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to mute everyone mentions in group chats! |
MESSAGE TRANSLATIONS
In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.12.25 update, we announced that a feature to translate chat messages and channel updates was available. This feature allows users to download language packs and translate messages directly within the app, either automatically on a per-chat basis or manually for individual messages. The translations are processed locally on the device using WhatsApp's in-house technology, ensuring end-to-end encryption and keeping message content private. Users can manage downloaded language packs, provide optional feedback on translations, and customize their translation preferences at any time, making the feature flexible, secure, and user-controlled. Earlier today, Mark Zuckerberg officially revealed this feature on his WhatsApp Channel, indicating that it will soon be widely available.
Mark Zuckerberg announced today that WhatsApp is rolling out message translations, a new feature designed to break down language barriers and help users communicate seamlessly across the globe. The new feature allows users to translate messages directly within the app. When a message is written in a different language, users can simply long-press the message and tap "Translate". They can choose the language they want the message translated from or to, and the translation can be saved for future use.
This functionality is available in one-on-one chats, group conversations, and even Channel updates. Android users gain an additional option to enable automatic translation for an entire chat thread. Once activated, all incoming messages in that conversation are translated automatically, making cross-language conversations more fluid. In a new blog post, WhatsApp emphasized that translations were designed with privacy in mind. All translations occur entirely on the user's device, so WhatsApp cannot see the content of your messages during translation. This process ensures that WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption remains fully intact, preserving the confidentiality and security of user messages at all times, even as translations are performed locally on the device.
On Android devices, translations work through a local solution. The app downloads language packs onto the device, allowing messages to be translated without sending data externally. This ensures that sensitive information remains private and offline. For iPhone users, WhatsApp relies on Apple's built-in translation API. Even here, the translation process is fully handled on the device, preserving privacy and adhering to WhatsApp's commitment to secure communication.
The rollout begins gradually, with Android users receiving support for six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. iPhone users will have access to the feature in over 19 languages, with more languages to be added over time. It's worth noting that Android users can expect to translate messages into additional languages in the future as WhatsApp develops and releases new language packs. These updates will allow users to communicate more seamlessly with friends, family, and communities around the world. iPhone users, on the other hand, already benefit from a broader range of languages thanks to Apple's built-in language packs, which provide a more extensive selection and are integrated directly into the device's system.
Despite the announcement by Mark Zuckerberg and WhatsApp, there currently appear to be no reports from users indicating that they can translate messages on iPhone. iPhone users have not yet seen the feature in their app, suggesting that the rollout has not fully reached iOS devices. However, since WhatsApp has officially announced the functionality, it is reasonable to expect that it will become available for iPhone users very soon. The official launch indicates that the feature is on its way, even if it is not yet widely visible.
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