New Feature: WhatsApp Introduces Instant Message Translation

The messaging app WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows instant translation of messages within chats on iPhones, in preparation for a wider release in the near future.

This feature appeared in a beta version of the app via the TestFlight platform on the App Store. A new option called “Message Translation” has been added داخل chats, enabling automatic translation of incoming messages once activated.

The feature works by allowing users to select the original language and the target language they want messages translated into. New messages are then automatically translated as soon as they arrive, without the need to long-press a message and manually choose the translation option, as is currently required.

The feature is expected to support full conversation translation, both in individual and group chats, provided that participants use the same language within the conversation.

It relies on on-device translation packs, allowing processing to occur locally without sending data to external servers. This ensures user privacy and maintains end-to-end encryption.

Currently, the feature supports several languages, including Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, Russian, and Turkish, with more languages expected to be added in the future.

WhatsApp has not yet announced an official release date, as the feature remains in the testing phase, with a broader rollout expected based on test results and upcoming updates.