WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.12.25: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.25.12.25.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to translate chat messages and channel updates, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.15.9 update, we announced that a feature to translate messages was under development. Through an enhanced in-house translation technology, WhatsApp would allow users to process message translations entirely on-device. This method preserves end-to-end encryption and protects user privacy, as no messages are sent to external servers. It appears that WhatsApp is finally testing this feature with the public, as some users have reported seeing a new option to translate messages in the chat info screen. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.12.25 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to translate chat messages and channel updates!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers can explore a new feature that allows them to download language packs and translate messages directly within the app. Users will be prompted to choose from a selection of supported languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese (Brazil), Hindi, and Russian. Once a language is selected, WhatsApp will download the corresponding language pack to enable translation. Users can also opt to install a special language pack capable of automatically detecting the language of incoming messages. This is particularly useful in group chats where multiple languages might be used.

The translation feature is accessible from the chat info screen, where users can specify which language they want messages to be automatically translated from on a per-chat basis. This flexibility ensures that different chats can have different translation settings based on user needs. Alternatively, users can choose not to enable automatic translation and instead translate individual messages manually by opening the message options and tapping "Translate". It's important to note that all translations are processed locally on the device, and no message data is shared with Meta or any external servers. The technology behind this feature is the same in-house solution that powers the voice message transcription tool on WhatsApp for Android, ensuring that translation occurs seamlessly on-device while preserving end-to-end encryption.

Since translations are generated locally and rely on lightweight language packs, they may not always be as accurate as those provided by cloud-based translation services. As a result, users should keep in mind that translations they are meant to be helpful, but they may not always be accurate. For users who wish to provide feedback about specific translations, WhatsApp offers an optional way to do so within the translation details screen. This feedback may help Meta improve translation quality over time. Participation is entirely voluntary, and no data is shared with Meta unless the user chooses to submit some details. Specifically, users may be prompted to provide additional information, such as indicating if the translation had missing words or other issues. However, the original and translated messages will never be shared with Meta, even if the user decides to submit feedback.

Users are always in control over this feature, as they can update or disable their translation preferences at any time from the chat info screen, where they originally activated the feature. Downloaded language packs can be managed and deleted from the WhatsApp storage settings, giving users control over storage space and preferences. Additionally, the translation functionality is not limited to private chats, as it also extends to groups and channels, allowing users to follow and understand content shared in different languages. It's worth noting that the translation feature is turned off by default, so users must actively choose to enable it. In addition, more language packs are expected to be introduced in the future, potentially expanding the range of supported languages and making translations accessible to a broader audience.

A feature to translate chat messages and channel updates is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.

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