WhatsApp launches in-App Message Translation, With Auto-Translate Exclusive to Android
WhatsApp is rolling out a new message translation feature directly within its chat interface, aiming to bridge communication gaps for its users. The update, announced today, allows users to translate messages from within conversations, a move especially focused on expanding its US user base through recent ad campaigns.
The feature is accessible by long-pressing on any received message,revealing a “Translate” option in the context menu.Users can select languages for translation and download frequently used languages for offline access, ensuring message privacy by processing translations on-device. The tool functions across individual chats, group conversations, and within whatsapp Channels.
Android users receive an enhanced experience with the ability to enable automatic translation for entire chat threads. This auto-translate function will translate incoming messages in real-time, a feature currently unavailable to iOS users who must translate messages individually.
initial language support is limited. iOS users have access to the 21 languages supported by Apple’s Translate app. Android users will initially have access to six languages: English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic.
The rollout is gradual, but WhatsApp anticipates expanding language support as the feature gains traction. This update represents a significant step toward improving accessibility and global communication within the platform.
