WhatsApp users urged not to miss out as platform rolls out seven major updates
The messaging app has rolled out seven major updates, urging users to update the app to avoid missing out.
WhatsApp users on Android and iPhone are being encouraged to update the app after the messaging service unveiled seven significant new features, including a long-awaited message translation tool now being rolled out globally.
The most notable addition is in-app message translation, designed to help users communicate more easily across languages. WhatsApp, which has more than three billion users in over 180 countries, said the feature aims to remove language barriers in everyday conversations.
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When users receive a message written in another language, they can now long-press on the text and tap “Translate”. They will then be prompted to select the relevant language and download it for future use.
The translation tool works across one-to-one chats, group conversations and channel updates.
Android users also have the option to enable automatic translation for an entire chat, meaning all future messages in that conversation will be translated without further action.
The rollout began last month and initially supported a small number of languages. Android users currently have access to six languages – English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian and Arabic – while iPhone users can translate messages in more than 19 languages.
Alongside translations, WhatsApp has introduced six additional features aimed at improving creativity and usability. Users can now share Live Photos on iPhone and Motion Photos on Android, allowing short animated images to be sent directly in chats.
New AI-powered chat themes and backgrounds are also being introduced through Meta AI, enabling users to create customised chat designs and virtual backgrounds for video calls. Availability of Meta AI features may vary by region.
WhatsApp has also added new sticker packs to make conversations more expressive, while group chats have become easier to find. Users can now search for a contact’s name in the Chats tab to display all shared groups, even if the group name is difficult to remember.
For Android users, a new document-scanning feature allows files to be scanned, cropped, saved and sent directly within WhatsApp, bringing the platform in line with a feature already available on iPhone.
First launched in 2009 and acquired by Meta in 2014, WhatsApp has steadily expanded its functionality.
Recent updates have included voice message transcription and the ability to interact with Meta AI.
