WhatsApp Is Working on Automatic Message Translation

WhatsApp is developing a new feature that could make multilingual conversations far more seamless by automatically translating messages in private chats and group discussions. According to WABetaInfo, the tool is still in development, but it is expected to arrive in a future update for iOS beta users.

The feature builds on WhatsApp’s existing translation option, which currently requires users to manually select a message and choose the translate command. With the upcoming upgrade, translation would become automatic, removing the need to repeat that process for every message in a conversation.

As reported by WABetaInfo, users will be able to enable the feature from the chat info screen and choose both the source and target languages. WhatsApp is said to support automatic translation across 21 languages, although the exact number may vary depending on the iOS version installed on the device.

A key part of the feature is that translations will be processed locally on the device rather than through external servers. That means users will need to download language packs, but it also helps WhatsApp preserve its end-to-end encryption and keep conversations private.

Once enabled, translated text would appear automatically when new messages arrive in the selected chat. Users would still be able to view the original message and remove the translated version through the message info menu.

The feature is also expected to work in group chats, though with an important limitation. Automatic translation in groups will only function properly when participants are using the same selected language, meaning messages sent in a different language may not be translated even if they are technically supported.

For now, WABetaInfo says the tool remains under development and has not yet been released to testers at scale. If it rolls out as planned, it could become one of WhatsApp’s more practical additions for users who regularly communicate across language barriers.