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WhatsApp, the messaging giant with more than 3 billion users in over 180 countries, is expanding its efforts to make global communication seamless by introducing message translations. Announced in a recent WhatsApp blog post, this feature enables users to translate messages in real-time, breaking down language barriers that often hinder clear communication.
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The new translation feature is accessible by simply long-pressing a message and tapping ‘Translate.’ Users can select the language they want to translate from or to, and save these preferences for future use. This functionality works across 1:1 chats, group conversations, and Channel updates, ensuring comprehensive usability for all types of interactions on the platform.
Android users receive an additional convenience: the ability to activate automatic translation for entire chat threads. This means all future incoming messages in that conversation will be translated automatically, removing the need to translate each message individually. This feature is initially rolling out in six languages on Android, English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic, while iPhone users will have access to the feature in 19+ languages from the start.
WhatsApp emphasized that privacy is at the core of this feature. All message translations happen directly on the user’s device, meaning that WhatsApp servers do not see the content of the translated messages, preserving end-to-end encryption and user confidentiality.
“We hope this feature helps break down language barriers and allows users to connect more deeply with loved ones and communities around the globe,” the company stated, signaling its commitment to fostering global connection through technology.
Enhancing communication with private AI-powered writing help
Just a month later, on August 27, 2025, WhatsApp unveiled another AI-powered innovation: Private Writing Help. This tool aims to assist users in crafting the perfect message tone, whether professional, funny, or supportive, while maintaining strict privacy safeguards.
Sometimes, users know exactly what they want to say but struggle with the right tone or phrasing. WhatsApp’s Writing Help addresses this challenge by offering AI-generated style suggestions in real time. To use the feature, users simply start drafting a message in a 1:1 or group chat and tap the new pencil icon to receive suggestions.
Crucially, Writing Help operates on Private Processing technology, which means that AI-generated suggestions are created locally on the user’s device. Neither Meta nor WhatsApp reads the message content or the AI’s re-writes, ensuring complete privacy and security for users. For those interested in the underlying technology, WhatsApp has provided detailed explanations through their engineering blog and technical white paper.
Independent security researchers from NCC Group and Trail of Bits have audited the Private Processing architecture, confirming its robustness and privacy guarantees. This external validation highlights WhatsApp’s commitment to transparent, privacy-first AI innovation.
As with other Private Processing features, Writing Help is optional and disabled by default, empowering users to choose their level of AI assistance.
Initially, the feature is available in English for users in the United States and several other countries, with plans to expand to more languages and regions later this year.
WhatsApp’s strategic vision: Empowering users through privacy and innovation
These two feature launches, message translations and Private Writing Help, underscore WhatsApp’s strategic priority to enhance user communication while respecting privacy. The company continues to leverage advanced AI technologies that operate locally on devices to deliver powerful, personalized experiences without compromising data security.
By enabling users to communicate effortlessly across language divides and craft messages that hit the right tone, WhatsApp strengthens its position as the world’s most widely used messaging platform. As the digital world becomes more interconnected, these AI-driven tools offer users unprecedented control and convenience, helping them stay connected authentically and securely.
