WEB DESK: WhatsApp has started rolling out its new built-in translation tool for iPhone users, just weeks after it first appeared on Android. The feature, which comes with version 25.28.74 of the app, lets users instantly translate messages in 21 different languages without relying on external apps.
How it works
Once updated, users can check if they have access by pressing and holding any message, selecting “More…,” and then tapping on the “Translate” option. The first time you use it, WhatsApp will ask you to choose your source and target languages and download the relevant language packs. After that, translations can be done even when you’re offline.
The downloaded packs are stored under Settings > Translate > Downloaded Languages, where users can manage or add new ones at any time. Meta says the rollout may take a few weeks to reach all iPhone users globally.
Supported languages
The feature currently supports 21 languages, including Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, English (UK and US), French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
However, the available languages may differ depending on the iOS version running on your device, according to WABetaInfo.
Some limitations
Meta noted that while you can translate both sent and received messages in personal and group chats, certain content such as documents, contacts, locations, stickers, and GIFs cannot be translated. Users will also need a stable WiFi or mobile data connection and sufficient storage space to download the language packs.
This new tool joins WhatsApp’s growing list of AI-powered features, following the recent rollout of smart writing suggestions and message summaries. With built-in translation, the app is clearly aiming to make global conversations smoother, especially for users chatting across language barriers.