WhatsApp is preparing to roll out new artificial intelligence features designed to help users better manage their conversations. The Meta-owned messaging platform is reportedly testing AI tools that can summarize unread messages and assist users in drafting replies—bringing more intelligent assistance to everyday messaging.

The upcoming features are powered by Meta AI, the company’s generative AI assistant already integrated into Instagram, Messenger, and other Meta platforms. According to early reports, the tools are in development and have been spotted in beta builds of the WhatsApp app, indicating a likely staged release in the coming months.

Summarizing Long or Unread Chats

One of the key features being tested is automatic chat summarization. This tool would allow users to get a quick overview of long or unread conversations without scrolling through every message. The summary would include key points, participants, and possibly action items, offering a snapshot-like experience.

This is especially useful for group chats or business-related threads, where multiple messages may accumulate in a short time. Meta AI would use natural language processing to extract context, decisions, and topics, potentially improving how users catch up on missed communication.

The feature may be triggered manually by tapping a prompt such as "Summarize this chat" or automatically suggested when users return to a conversation after a period of inactivity.

AI-Assisted Writing Help

Alongside summarization, WhatsApp is also working on a smart writing assistant that helps users compose responses. Similar to tools available in email platforms or productivity apps, this feature would offer suggestions based on message context, tone, and urgency.

For instance, Meta AI could suggest ways to confirm a meeting time, decline an invitation politely, or craft a clear follow-up question—streamlining communication, particularly for users managing professional or multilingual conversations.

Users would likely have control over when and how this tool activates, with the ability to accept, edit, or dismiss suggested replies.

Privacy Considerations

While the features promise added convenience, they also raise questions about data handling. Meta has not confirmed how the AI will process messages or what safeguards will be in place to ensure privacy and compliance with encryption protocols.

WhatsApp has maintained that end-to-end encryption remains a cornerstone of the platform, and it is expected that summarization and writing suggestions would be handled in ways that do not compromise this standard. Details on the technical implementation are still awaited.

Strategic Move for Meta

This development is part of Meta’s broader effort to embed AI tools across its suite of apps. With competition from other messaging platforms and increasing user demand for smarter digital tools, AI integration is becoming a differentiator in user experience.

By bringing Meta AI into WhatsApp—one of the most widely used messaging platforms globally—the company is looking to blend utility with AI innovation. Similar tools have already been introduced in Messenger, and WhatsApp's rollout may mark a significant expansion in user-facing generative AI.

What Comes Next

The features are still under testing and there is no official rollout timeline. However, their presence in beta versions suggests that public availability may not be far off. If successful, these tools could change how users navigate high-volume messaging, making communication faster, more organized, and more intuitive.