WhatsApp is in the midst of a significant feature expansion, actively testing a suite of powerful new tools for its beta users on both iOS and Android. This strategic push is aimed at creating a more intelligent, private, and user-centric communication platform, while also achieving feature parity across different operating systems. The updates range from sophisticated, privacy-focused AI enhancements to practical controls for calls and media. Here is a more detailed breakdown of each major new feature currently being rolled out.
1. AI-Powered Message Summaries: Catch Up in Seconds, Privately
For anyone who has felt overwhelmed by a flood of messages, WhatsApp’s new AI-powered summary feature is a game-changer. This tool is built on a new framework called “Private Processing,” a system designed from the ground up to ensure that neither WhatsApp nor Meta can ever access the content of your messages.
How it Works: In any individual or group chat where you have at least three unread messages, a new button will automatically appear just above the message thread. Tapping this button sends a secure, anonymous request to generate a concise summary of the conversation you’ve missed. The summary is then displayed directly to you, without the message content ever being stored or linked to your identity.
Key Benefit & Privacy: The primary advantage is the ability to quickly grasp the main points of busy conversations without endless scrolling. It’s entirely optional and designed with privacy at its core. In fact, to further respect user choice, the feature is automatically disabled in chats where the “Advanced Chat Privacy” setting is enabled. This is the first of several planned features to utilize the new Private Processing architecture.
2. AI-Powered Writing Help: Enhance Your Messages with Different Tones
Beyond summarizing, WhatsApp is also developing an AI tool to help you craft the perfect message. “Writing Help” is another feature powered by the secure Private Processing system, designed to act as your personal, private writing assistant.
How it Works: While you are typing a message, an optional prompt will appear, allowing you to enhance your text. If you choose to use it, the tool will offer several suggestions to rephrase your message. Available tones will include “Rephrase” for clarity, “Professional” for formal communication, “Funny” for a more playful touch, and “Supportive” for empathetic messages. Once you select a suggestion, it replaces your original text.
Key Benefit & Privacy: This feature allows users to tailor their communication style to the specific context, ensuring their intent is clear. Crucially, recipients will not be notified that the message was enhanced by AI. Users can also provide private feedback on the quality of suggestions—without sharing the message content—to help improve the service over time.
3. Media Auto-Download Quality Control: Save Data and Storage
To address the common issue of high data and storage consumption from photos and videos, WhatsApp is introducing a much-requested quality control setting for automatically downloaded media.
How it Works: In the app settings, users can now choose a default quality for auto-downloads: “Standard” or “HD”. This is made possible by a new dual-upload system, where the sender’s app uploads both a compressed, standard-quality version and a full high-definition version of the media. The recipient’s app then automatically downloads the version that matches their preference.
Key Benefit & Flexibility: Choosing “Standard” quality can dramatically reduce data usage and save precious storage space, which is especially useful in media-heavy group chats. However, this doesn’t mean you lose access to high-quality media. If you decide to view a photo or video that was downloaded in standard quality, you can simply tap on it, and the app will retrieve the full HD version from the server, offering the perfect balance of efficiency and choice.
4. “Raise Hand” Feature in Calls: Bring Order to Group Conversations
Inspired by professional video conferencing platforms, WhatsApp is adding a simple yet highly effective feature to improve the flow of group voice and video calls.
How it Works: During a group call, any participant can access the “Raise Hand” option from the three-dot menu located in the bottom calling bar. Activating it displays a raised hand emoji next to their name for all other participants to see in real-time.
Key Benefit & Use Cases: This provides a clear, non-disruptive visual cue that someone wishes to speak, preventing interruptions and making conversations more organized. It is particularly useful in structured environments like virtual classrooms or team meetings. It also empowers users who may have joined in a listen-only mode to signal when they have a question or comment, ensuring everyone has a chance to contribute. This feature is rolling out widely, appearing not just for beta testers but for some users on the latest stable versions as well.
WABetaInfo
