WhatsApp rolls out real-time translation feature

WhatsApp has recently announced that the app has begun introducing a real-time translation tool in select languages.

According to a blog by WhatsApp on September 23, the new feature enables users to translate individual messages by long-pressing and selecting "Translate". Translations can be downloaded and saved for future use, and the function works in one-to-one conversations, group chats and Channel updates. 

Android users will also have the option to enable automatic translation for an entire conversation thread, ensuring all incoming messages appear in their preferred language. The translations are processed on the user's device rather than on company servers, in order to maintain the privacy of chats, according to WhatsApp's announcement.

The feature is being rolled out gradually. On Android, it will initially be available in six languages, including English, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese, Russian and Arabic. iPhone users will have access to translations in 19 languages at launch.