WhatsApp Adds Message Translation for iPhone and Android

WhatsApp is bridging language gaps with its latest feature: in-app message translation. This new update is accessible on both iPhone and Android, allowing users to chat in multiple languages without having to leave the app or use external services.

New Translation Feature

For translating a message, users can simply long-press on it and select the Translate option. You’ll be able to choose both the source and target languages, with the option to download language packs for offline use. This feature supports translation in one-on-one chats, group conversations, and even Channel updates.

On iPhones, translations use Apple’s built-in translation API. Android users, however, benefit from local processing within the app itself. WhatsApp assures that all translations are conducted on the device, maintaining the protection of its end-to-end encryption process.

Language Expansion on iOS

The rollout varies between platforms. iPhone users receive support for over 19 languages from the start, including French, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Turkish, and Vietnamese. Conversely, Android users initially have access to translations in six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.

Android users do have an extra feature: the ability to turn on automatic translation for entire chat threads. This means every incoming message in those conversations will be translated without needing any manual intervention.

Privacy and Deployment

WhatsApp states that translations occur on the user’s device, making sure neither WhatsApp nor its parent company, Meta, can view message content. The update is being released gradually worldwide, beginning with these initial languages, with more to follow in future updates. Currently, there’s no information on when this feature will be available for WhatsApp’s web or desktop versions.

The launch comes shortly after Apple unveiled its Live Translation in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe, indicating a broader trend towards integrating translation features into messaging services. While other apps have experimented with translation, for WhatsApp’s vast user base of over 3 billion people, this launch may significantly alter global communication.

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