WhatsApp beta is testing automatic message translations on iOS
WhatsApp is working on a feature that will automatically translate messages in chats and groups in the future. This feature will make it easier for users to communicate across different languages while preserving end-to-end encryption.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Automatic message translations |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development and not yet available for beta testing. In the meantime, you can read this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is working on a poll editing feature on Android! |
WhatsApp is developing automatic, secure message translations
In the post about the WhatsApp for iOS 25.28.74 update, we announced a feature to translate messages. This feature allows users to select a message or a channel update and see its translation. Users can choose to translate a message across other 20 languages, making it easier to communicate with friends and family who speak different languages. Translations maintain end-to-end encryption since they rely on Apple's API to process the message locally.
Now, WhatsApp is working to simplify message translation. With upcoming tools, the app will make translating messages even more seamless. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.11.10.70 update, which is available on the TestFlight app, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature to automatically translate messages across 21 different languages.
As you can see from the attached image, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature designed to automatically translate messages. While this feature is currently under development and scheduled for release in a future update, it already aims to enhance user convenience. At the moment, users must select a message and choose the "Translate" option to see its translation. Although this feature gives users control over which messages they want to translate, translating multiple messages may be complicated.
With a future update, WhatsApp will address this issue by introducing automatic translations. Through a new option in the chat info screen, users will be able to choose whether the app should translate messages automatically. Users will have to select the language the app should translate messages from and to. Since messages are processed locally to preserve end-to-end encryption, users will have to download language packs. Downloading language packs will let users translate messages instantly without relying on an Internet connection. Additionally, messages do not need to be sent to any third parties for translation. As a result, this feature will keep messages and conversations fully private.
Users will be able to select from 21 available languages. Note that depending on the version of iOS installed on the device, a minor number of languages may be available. Older iOS versions do not support all of the language packs required for local translation. Apple will add new language packs in future updates of iOS and iPadOS. Once new language packs become available, these will be immediately visible in WhatsApp.
Once users enable automatic translations, WhatsApp will display the translation automatically when a message is received in the selected chat. This means that users will no longer need to manually select a message to see its translation. However, users will still be able to see the original message and remove the translation by viewing its info from the context menu. The app will handle message translations automatically by leveraging Apple's API. So messages remain fully encrypted and private even when automatically translated.
WhatsApp will offer automatic translations in both chats and groups. However, users should note that automatic translations in groups will work only when all participants send messages in the same language. So if a language is selected from the group info screen but some members send messages in a different language, the app will not translate them, even if they are supported by Apple. At the moment, support for automatic translations in channels is not planned.
The feature to automatically translate messages across 21 different languages is under development, and it is expected to be released in a future update. WhatsApp is currently refining how the app can automatically translate messages. Once testing is complete, WhatsApp will roll out this feature to select beta testers, making it easier for users to communicate with people who speak different languages.
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