Meta began rolling out in-app translation support Tuesday for WhatsApp on iPhone. In its initial phase, the feature supports 21 languages, making it easier for users to chat with their loved ones without worrying about language barriers.
Keeping security and privacy in mind, the translations happen on-device, ensuring the messages remain private.
WhatsApp translation tool uses Apple’s native APIs
While iPhone users in the United States typically use Apple’s Messages app, WhatsApp rules on the international stage. Meta’s messaging app counts more than 2 billion users a day, particularly in India, Europe and other overseas markets. Adding in-app translation support should make WhatsApp even more popular, especially with international travelers.
After updating to WhatsApp v25.28.74 for iOS from the App Store, you’ll find the new Translate tool available. As WABetaInfo reports, Meta uses Apple’s official translation APIs for message translation within WhatsApp.
This should reassure users concerned about privacy, especially with Meta involved. Since WhatsApp uses Apple’s APIs for translation, the feature should work more reliably and seamlessly.
To translate a message, long-press on it and select Translate. The first time you use the feature, you’ll need to download the required language pack. After that, a pop-up will appear showing both the original and translated text. The tool automatically detects the message’s language, and you simply choose the one you want it translated into.
No live translate support on iPhone
Unlike on the Android version of WhatsApp, there’s no live translation support on iPhone. So, you’ll need to manually translate the conversation each time you open it. With iOS 26, Apple added Live Translation support to the iPhone’s native Messages app.
On the flip side, the translate tool in WhatsApp for Android only supports six languages, while the iPhone version supports 21. The list includes Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified), Chinese (Mandarin, Traditional), Dutch, English (UK), English (US), French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian and Vietnamese.
In case you don’t see the WhatsApp update on the App Store yet, wait a few more days. Meta, which announced the new WhatsApp translation feature in late September, is rolling out the update gradually to iPhone users.
