WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.12.10.70: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the TestFlight beta Program, bringing the version up to 25.12.10.70.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to choose how voice messages are transcribed, and it's available to some beta testers!

In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 23.9.0.70 update, we announced that a feature to transcribe voice notes was available. With this feature, users can easily read the content of voice messages directly within the chat, as the transcription is automatically displayed in the message bubble. This makes it more convenient to understand voice notes in situations where listening might not be possible. Additionally, the transcribed text is searchable, allowing users to quickly find specific information within their voice messages by simply using the search bar. WhatsApp now seems to be giving iOS users more control over their voice notes, allowing them to choose whether or not the app should automatically transcribe them. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.12.10.70 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to choose how voice messages are transcribed!

As you can see from the attached screenshot, some beta testers now have access to a new feature that introduces a dedicated section for managing voice message transcripts within the app settings, offering enhanced control and flexibility over how these transcriptions are handled during conversations. Specifically, this newly added section can be found by navigating to WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts, where users are presented with three configuration options designed to let them tailor the transcription behavior according to their individual preferences, including whether transcriptions happen automatically or only when manually requested.

Previously, WhatsApp always transcribed voice messages automatically, as long as certain conditions were met. The app prioritized automatic transcription to make the feature seamless and convenient for users. However, with this update, WhatsApp is introducing more flexibility, making it easier for users to choose whether they want all voice messages to be transcribed automatically, or only when they manually trigger the transcription. When the manual mode is selected, a new button will appear within the message bubble of a voice note, allowing users to generate a transcription only when they need it. This gives users the opportunity to manage transcriptions according to their personal preferences, including the option to disable them entirely if they feel the feature is unnecessary or not useful for their needs. This level of control marks a significant improvement since it allows users to tailor the feature to their personal needs and preferences, whether for convenience or accessibility reasons.

This feature is available only on iOS 16 and newer versions, where specific languages are supported, as Apple uses on-device language models to process voice message transcriptions. These language packs are built into the operating system, allowing transcriptions to be generated locally on the device, ensuring both accuracy and privacy. On iOS 16+, users can access transcriptions in languages such as English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Turkish, Chinese, and Arabic. With the release of iOS 17 and newer versions, additional languages are supported, including Danish, Finnish, Hebrew, Malay, Norwegian, Dutch, Swedish, and Thai.

It's important to note that voice message transcriptions continue to preserve end-to-end encryption. No voice message is ever uploaded to external servers during the transcription process, as it is handled entirely on the device using on-device language models from Apple. Additionally, a limited number of users on the most recent stable version of WhatsApp from the App Store may also see this new section, although this may be uncommon and not yet widely available. This suggests that WhatsApp may already be testing the voice transcription mode selection feature beyond the beta program, possibly as part of a broader upcoming rollout.

A feature to choose how voice messages are transcribed is available to some beta testers who install the latest versions of WhatsApp beta for iOS from the TestFlight app, and it's rolling out to more people over the coming weeks.

Stay up-to-date on WhatsApp news by following WABetaInfo on X where you can also discover other new features for WhatsApp beta for Android, iOS, Web/Desktop, and Windows.

Do you like this news? Please, let us know on X: we love hearing your feedback! If you're curious to see where you can find WABetaInfo, there is a dedicated page where you can discover our services.
In addition, we have set up a Discord Server where you can chat with other people, get help and advice, and stay up to date with the latest announcements from WABetaInfo.