WhatsApp news of the week: feature to translate messages and channel updates is available for Android

Missed our weekly WhatsApp beta updates? Catch up now with our summary! Among our 10 stories we shared, the best news of the week is about a feature to translate messages and channel updates on WhatsApp beta for Android!

1. In the article about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.11.10.72 update, we discussed about a feature in development that will notify users in chats whenever a contact updates, changes, or deletes their username. This will promote transparency and helps avoid confusion or mistaken identity, especially when usernames are used instead of phone numbers. It will also enhance security by making it easier to spot suspicious changes that could indicate impersonation.
2. With the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.12.9 update, some beta testers can explore a new feature that extends video status limits from 60 seconds to 90 seconds. This change gives users more room to share expressive or creative content without trimming. The rollout is gradual, and eligible users will see the updated limit reflected in the trimming interface or through a toast notification.
3. The WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.11.10.73 update allows some beta testers to enjoy new animations when switching between tabs, adding a smoother and more polished look to the interface. These subtle transitions help improve navigation by reducing abrupt changes and enhancing responsiveness. While minimal, the animations boost the overall user experience, aligning with modern UI trends focused on fluidity and engagement.
4. After installing the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.12.10.70 update, some beta testers can now access a new settings section for managing voice message transcripts, located under WhatsApp Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts. This feature introduces three options that let users choose between automatic transcription, manual transcription via a button in the message bubble, or disabling it entirely. Transcriptions remain end-to-end encrypted and are processed locally using Apple's on-device language models, with expanded language support depending on the iOS version.
5. Following the release of the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.12.25 update, some beta testers can explore a new feature that enables in-app message translation using downloadable language packs, including Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese (Brazil), Hindi, and Russian. Users can set automatic translation per chat or translate messages manually, with all translations processed locally to maintain privacy. Translations rely on lightweight, on-device language packs and may not always match the accuracy of cloud-based services, but users can optionally provide feedback to help improve results. This feature also supports group chats and channels, it is disabled by default, and it can be fully managed from chat and storage settings.

6. After updating to the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.13.2 version, a feature that introduces a dedicated section for browsing all media and links shared within a channel is available. This new section, accessible from the channel info screen, organizes photos, videos, GIFs, and links, making it easier for users to find specific content without scrolling through the entire channel history. It enhances user experience by allowing quick retrieval of important media and links, especially in channels with frequent updates. This improvement also aims to save time and make content access more efficient for all channel followers.
7. The WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.12.10 update allows some beta testers to see a security label when viewing a status update, clearly indicating that it's end-to-end encrypted. This label appears below the contact name and reinforces the commitment to transparency and user privacy. While status updates have always been encrypted, this new visual cue helps users better understand and trust the security standards of the app.
8. With the WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.11.10.74 update, some beta testers can now see a label that confirms status updates are end-to-end encrypted, just like on Android. Even on the iOS app, this label appears below the contact name when viewing a status update, reinforcing the commitment to user privacy.
9. Through the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.12.21 update, we discovered that WhatsApp is testing a new advanced chat privacy feature that gives users more control by allowing them to enable it on a per-chat basis, scheduled for release in a future update. When turned on, media won't be saved to the device gallery, chat exports will be blocked, and Meta AI interactions will be disabled in that conversation. All participants will be notified of any changes, ensuring transparency while offering flexible privacy settings tailored to individual chats.
10. In the article covering the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.12.24 update, we announced that WhatsApp is testing a new feature that lets users choose the quality (standard or high) for photos and videos that are automatically downloaded. This feature will give recipients more control over data usage and storage by defaulting to standard quality while still allowing manual access to HD versions. This new system will also balance efficiency and media quality, especially in group chats or for users with limited data.

Stay tuned with us to discover new features and updates about WhatsApp, coming your way next week!

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