WhatsApp Tests Real-Time Translation Feature to Enable Seamless Multilingual Chats

ISLAMABAD:

Meta-owned WhatsApp is developing a new feature that could allow users to instantly translate messages across multiple languages, marking a major step toward breaking global communication barriers.

According to early details, the feature will support automatic translation in up to 21 languages, eliminating the need for users to manually select and translate individual messages. Once activated through chat settings, users can choose their preferred source and target languages, enabling incoming messages to be translated in real time while still allowing access to the original text.

Unlike many cloud-based translation tools, WhatsApp plans to process translations directly on users’ devices using system-level APIs. This approach ensures that messages remain protected under the platform’s end-to-end encryption, with no data being sent to external servers. Users will be required to download language packs to enable offline and instant translations.

The feature is expected to work across both individual and group chats, although limitations may apply in group conversations where multiple languages are used simultaneously. Compatibility will also depend on device software, with older iOS and Android versions potentially lacking full support.

Currently under development, the automatic translation tool is likely to be rolled out to beta testers before a wider global release, with additional language support anticipated in future updates.