WhatsApp enables on-device translation for iOS and Android users

WhatsApp, the popular messaging platform owned by Meta, has unveiled an exciting new feature that allows users to translate messages instantly. This functionality is being made available on both iOS and Android devices, reaching users in all 180 countries where the app operates. Android users will have the capability to translate messages between six languages, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian, and Arabic. In contrast, iOS users will benefit from support for over 19 languages, aligning with those available through Apple's Translate app. To utilize the translation feature, WhatsApp users can simply long-press on a message, tap on the three dots located in the top-right corner, and select 'Translate' from the menu. After choosing the desired language, the message will be translated almost instantaneously. This feature is applicable not only in one-on-one chats but also in group conversations and channel updates. Importantly, WhatsApp maintains user privacy by processing translations on the device itself, meaning the app does not access user chats. However, users will need to download specific language packs for the languages they wish to translate. For those using Android, there’s an added convenience of enabling automatic translation for entire chat threads, ensuring that all future incoming messages are translated. While this new feature is currently being rolled out for mobile devices, it remains unclear when it will extend to the Windows and Web versions of WhatsApp. A support page regarding the translation feature advises users that it might not be available on all devices just yet and encourages them to keep their app updated to access the feature as soon as possible.