WhatsApp for iOS 25.28.74: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new iOS update through the App Store, bringing the version up to 25.28.74.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to securely translate messages in 21 different languages, and it's available to some users!

WhatsApp Update on App Store Introduces Message Translations

In the article about the WhatsApp beta Android 2.25.12.25 update, we announced that a feature to translate chat messages and channel updates was available. This feature introduces the ability for users to download lightweight language packs directly onto their devices, enabling on-device translations without sharing message data with Meta or external servers. Users can choose from supported languages such as Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese (Brazil), Hindi, and Russian, with more languages expected in the future.

It appears that WhatsApp now intends to offer iOS users a similar message translation functionality as it already does for the Android version, aiming to provide a consistent experience across both platforms. This announcement builds on the recent update shared by Mark Zuckerberg and WhatsApp, highlighting the launch of a message translation feature. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp for iOS 25.28.74 update, which is available on the App Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to securely translate messages in 21 different languages!

WhatsApp In-App Translations: Fast, Reliable, and Private Messaging

With the latest update, it is finally possible to explore an option that lets users translate messages directly within the app. Unlike the Android version, WhatsApp for iOS relies on Apple's official translation APIs to handle message translations. This means that WhatsApp does not need to implement its own in-house translation engine on iOS, as the system already provides the translation service. This integration makes translating messages faster, more reliable, and fully private, allowing users to understand and respond to conversations in multiple languages without leaving the app.

Translation Feature Enhances Seamless Multilingual Communication

The feature, available in individual conversations, group chats, and channels, aims to make multilingual communication seamless and convenient. Users can select a message and tap the "Translate" option in the context menu to invoke Apple's translation framework. Translations appear instantly within a new section of the chat, allowing users to read the translated text right below the original message. This design keeps the conversation context intact, making it easier for users to follow discussions in multiple languages without losing track of the original content. This streamlined workflow reduces interruptions and helps users seamlessly engage with other people in different languages, whether in casual chats, group discussions, or channel threads.

Automatic and Manual Language Detection in WhatsApp for iOS

With the appropriate language pack downloaded, the translation framework detects the message's language, so users can understand foreign messages without manual input. However, the service also provides flexibility: if the automatic detection is incorrect, users can manually select the correct source language. On the same screen, users can choose the target language for the translation. Once downloaded, the language packs enable instant, on-device translations, ensuring that messages are translated quickly and privately without requiring an Internet connection.

The available languages depend on the iOS version installed on the device. In the latest iOS version, the supported languages currently include Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified), Chinese (Mandarin, Traditional), Dutch, English (UK), English (US), French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

Secure Translations Keep WhatsApp Messages Private and Protected

A unique aspect of this feature is that all translations are performed on-device since users have to download Apple's language packs. This ensures that messages remain fully private and are never shared with Apple, Meta, or third-parties. To test this, users can try translating messages while their device is in Airplane Mode after a language pack is downloaded. If the translation still works without an Internet connection, it confirms that the language pack operates entirely offline. For the best experience, we recommend that users download their most frequently used languages from the device settings. This guarantees that translations are available instantly, even without an Internet connection, and maximizes privacy by keeping all processing on-device.

WhatsApp Uses Apple Translation API for Faster and More Reliable Translations

This functionality uses Apple's native translation capabilities, made available through the Translation API introduced in iOS 17.4. This API allows third-party apps, including WhatsApp, to integrate Apple's translation services directly within their interfaces. This lets WhatsApp maintain encryption while providing seamless, in-app translations without sending message data to external server.

For optimal performance and reliability, WhatsApp may limit this feature to more recent iOS versions where Apple's translation framework is more stable and efficient. This ensures translations are accurate and perform smoothly across different chats. As a result, users on older iOS versions might not see the option until their device is updated.

Message Translation Feature is Rolling Out on iOS

The message translation feature on iOS is now available after installing the latest WhatsApp update from the App Store. As with many new features, WhatsApp is gradually rolling it out to ensure stability and a smooth user experience. Users who do not immediately see the option are advised to update their app to the most recent version. Over the coming weeks, the feature is expected to become widely accessible, making in-app message translations a standard experience for all iOS users.

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