This week, WhatsApp introduced several significant updates: voice-to-text dictation, a full emoji set for reactions on Apple Watch, chats with third-party AI agents on iOS, a customizable reaction tray for WhatsApp Plus, birthday reminders in the Contacts tab, and a redesigned bottom navigation bar.
Table of Contents
Voice-to-Text Dictation
WhatsApp is developing a feature that lets users dictate a message and send it as text.
How it works
A new button for voice input will appear in the chat bar. On first use, WhatsApp will show a short intro screen and prompt the user to choose a language. After setup, the app enters listening mode with “Listening…” displayed. The user speaks the message and then taps the send button. The recording can be cancelled at any time. The feature uses the same language packs as voice message transcriptions, so processing happens locally on the device without sending audio to servers. It works in chats, groups, and channels.
Why it’s needed
Allows users to quickly send a message by speaking, without recording an audio file. The recipient sees plain text, with no indication that the message was dictated. Useful for those who prefer speaking over typing but don’t want to send a voice message.
Status
The feature is in development for Android. A release is expected in a future update.
Full Emoji Set for Reactions on Apple Watch
WhatsApp is expanding the emoji set for reactions in the Apple Watch app, allowing any emoji instead of the six default ones.
How it works
When long-pressing a message on the watch, a reaction tray appears with six default emojis and a button to open the full keyboard. The full set is organized into eight categories: Smileys, Nature, Food, Activity, Travel, Objects, Symbols, and Flags. Recently used emojis appear at the top. The interface is adapted for the watch’s small screen.
Why it’s needed
Six default emojis don’t fit every situation. The full set allows users to express a reaction accurately right from their wrist, without reaching for the iPhone. Reactions remain a quick way to respond, which is especially important on a watch.
Status
The feature is available to Apple Watch users. Gradual rollout.
Chats with Third-Party AI Agents on iOS
WhatsApp is bringing the ability to create chats with third-party AI agents and bots directly within the app to iOS.
How it works
A section for creating an agent appears in settings: the user sets a name and profile photo, after which WhatsApp generates an API key. The user copies the key and provides it to the service hosting the agent. Once connected, the agent responds in a separate chat. The agent only sees what the user writes to it directly and does not have access to other conversations, contacts, or media. Disappearing messages are not supported in such chats. The API key can be reset and regenerated.
Why it’s needed
Allows integrating AI assistants and bots directly into WhatsApp without switching to other apps. Simplifies task automation and interaction with services.
Important to know
Chats with agents are not end-to-end encrypted, as they are processed by a Meta service on behalf of the agent developer. The developer can access these messages. Personal conversations between users remain fully encrypted.
Status
The feature is available to a limited number of iOS users in select countries. Gradual rollout.
Customizable Reaction Tray for WhatsApp Plus
WhatsApp is launching the ability for WhatsApp Plus subscribers to replace the default emojis in the reaction tray with their own.
How it works
In settings (Chats → Default reactions), the six current default emojis are displayed. Users can replace any of them with any other from the full keyboard. They can change one slot or all six. Editing is also available directly from the emoji keyboard when reacting to a message — via the “Edit” button. After saving, the reaction tray updates instantly.
Why it’s needed
Default reactions don’t always match a user’s communication style. Customization speeds up responses and makes the interface more personalized. The feature is part of the second set of WhatsApp Plus features (the first included themes, icons, premium stickers, and pinning up to 20 chats).
Status
The feature is available to some WhatsApp Plus subscribers on Android. Gradual rollout.
Birthday Reminders in the Contacts Tab
WhatsApp is adding birthday reminders for contacts to the upcoming Contacts tab.
How it works
If a contact’s birthday is saved in the phone’s address book, WhatsApp will mark it with a cake emoji and a “Birthday today” label under their name. The reminder is displayed throughout the day when the Contacts tab is opened. Data is read from the device’s address book, not entered manually in WhatsApp. To add a birthday, users need to edit the contact in the Contacts app.
Why it’s needed
The Contacts tab will contain useful information about contacts: who is online, who was recently active, and whose birthday it is. The reminder doesn’t interrupt the user, as it only appears when the tab is opened. Helps users not forget to congratulate loved ones.
Status
The feature is in development for iOS. A release is expected in a future update.
Redesigned Bottom Navigation Bar on Android
WhatsApp is testing a new design for the bottom navigation bar, making it separate from the main interface.
How it works
The bottom navigation bar becomes floating with rounded corners, separating from the main app interface. The design is inspired by the floating tab bar on iOS (Liquid Glass) but does not fully copy it: the translucent effect on Android is unlikely to appear. The new design is more noticeable in light theme. Further changes are possible before the final release.
Why it’s needed
Refreshes the Android app interface and makes it more modern. Continues a series of Android design updates: new chat themes, accent colors for WhatsApp Plus, and now updated navigation.
Status
The feature is in development for Android. A release is expected in a future update.
Conclusion
This week, WhatsApp focused on expanding input capabilities and personalization: voice-to-text dictation speeds up sending messages, the full emoji set on Apple Watch and customizable reactions for WhatsApp Plus give more control. Chats with AI agents open new automation scenarios, birthday reminders add a useful social feature, and the navigation redesign makes the Android app more modern.
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