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WhatsApp Rolls Out On-Device Message Translation to iOS in 21 Languages

The iPhone feature uses Apple’s Translation API for on‑device processing that keeps message text off external servers.

Overview

  • The capability is arriving with WhatsApp for iOS version 25.28.74 in a gradual rollout that will take a few weeks, alongside the launch of Live Photos support.
  • Users can press and hold a message, tap More, then choose Translate to see the translated text appear beneath the original within the chat.
  • Downloadable language packs enable offline use and keep translations local to the device, with management under Settings > Translate > Downloaded Languages.
  • The tool works in individual chats, group chats, and Channels but cannot translate stickers, GIFs, documents, contacts, or locations, and it requires storage and an initial network connection to fetch language packs.
  • Support spans 21 languages with availability tied to the iOS version, covering options such as English, Spanish, Arabic, Hindi, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Japanese, and Korean.