WhatsApp tests AI features for messages and style assistance Apfelpatient

WhatsApp is working on a new feature that should make dealing with a large number of unread messages much easier. Instead of scrolling through endless chat histories, you'll get a concise summary directly from an AI. The feature is currently being tested on Android, but some important details about how it works and privacy are already available.

The need for smart solutions for message overviews is growing, especially in times of high group and channel activity. While Apple is already taking its first steps with Apple Intelligence, this solution is reserved for only a few iPhone users. WhatsApp, on the other hand, is taking its own approach and integrating artificial intelligence directly into the chat app – initially for Android and with a special focus on data protection. Two new features are at the forefront: AI summaries for unread messages and a writing aid for text composing.

AI summaries in WhatsApp – How it works

The new feature is currently only active in the Android beta version of WhatsApp. If it's available to you and you activate it, you'll no longer see the usual "25 unread messages" notification when you have a lot of unread messages. Instead, a new button will appear: "Summarize with Meta AI." Once tapped, WhatsApp will show you a short, automatically generated summary of the entire conversation. This applies to individual chats as well as groups and channels. The idea behind it is simple: You save time and don't have to read through everything yourself, but you still get an overview of the most important things (via WABetaInfo ).

Data protection via private processing

According to WhatsApp, the content of messages for this feature is not permanently stored and is not linked to your account. Everything runs via a so-called "private processing" infrastructure. Processing takes place in an isolated cloud environment, and summaries are deleted immediately after analysis.

Another point: If you use a chat with enhanced privacy options, the summarization feature is automatically deactivated. This applies, for example, to conversations with additional encryption. In these cases, no AI processing takes place – even if the feature is enabled.

Current availability status

Currently, the new summary feature is only available to some beta testers on Android. WhatsApp has not yet announced when it will be rolled out to all Android users or whether there will be an iOS version. There is also no information yet regarding language support or regional availability.

Also coming: Writing help for messages

In addition to summaries, WhatsApp is also working on a writing assistant. This allows you to adjust the tone, clarity, or style of a message before sending it. This feature also uses the private processing infrastructure to ensure your content remains protected. The writing assistant could be particularly useful if you're writing in formal contexts or simply want to make sure your message is well received.

WhatsApp: More overview, less effort – with AI

WhatsApp is currently testing two new AI features designed to significantly improve the way you handle messages. Summaries help you quickly get an overview of unread chats without having to read every detail yourself. At the same time, WhatsApp promises to respect your privacy: All content is only temporarily processed and not stored. The feature is still in the testing phase and is only available to select Android users. When and how it will be rolled out more widely is still unclear. But one thing is clear: WhatsApp is increasingly relying on AI – and aims to combine data protection with convenience. (Image: Shutterstock / Alex Photo Stock)