WhatsApp for Android Reportedly Testing Voice Chats with Meta AI: Everything You Need to Know

WhatsApp is revolutionizing how we communicate with its latest feature: real-time voice chats powered by Meta AI. Currently in testing with select Android beta users (version 2.25.21.21), this innovative addition allows users to engage in hands-free, two-way voice conversations with Meta’s AI chatbot. This move signals a deeper integration of artificial intelligence into WhatsApp’s core communication tools, aligning it with cutting-edge assistants like Google’s Gemini Live and ChatGPT’s Voice Chat. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting development, its features, privacy considerations, and what it means for the future of messaging.

What Is WhatsApp’s Meta AI Voice Chat Feature?

The Meta AI voice chat feature enables Android users to interact with the chatbot using voice commands, eliminating the need to type. Spotted by feature tracker WABetaInfo, this functionality is rolling out to a limited group of beta testers and is expected to expand in the coming weeks. Users can initiate a voice session by tapping a waveform icon in the Chats tab or directly from the Calls tab, where the Meta AI icon automatically transforms into a waveform for seamless access.

This feature is designed for accessibility and convenience, catering to users who are multitasking, driving, or have mobility challenges. The interface mimics a phone call, complete with suggested conversation topics displayed at the center to help users get started. A “collapse” icon in the top-left corner allows the voice chat to run in the background, enabling users to switch to other apps without interrupting the conversation.

How to Use Meta AI Voice Chats

• Open Meta AI from the Chats tab and tap the waveform icon to begin a voice conversation. Alternatively, enable the “Voice Preferences” setting to auto-start voice mode when accessing Meta AI (disabled by default for user control).
• The Meta AI icon in the Calls tab transforms into a waveform, allowing instant voice chat initiation, aligning with the tab’s call-focused functionality.
• Tap the collapse icon to minimize the voice chat and continue talking while using other apps, such as browsing or note-taking.
• Stop the conversation by tapping the “X” button, exiting the chat interface, or typing a message to switch to text mode.

The interface also includes pre-made prompt suggestions to spark conversations, making it easier for users to engage with Meta AI, especially if they’re unsure what to ask. Users can even attach photos from their gallery or camera to enhance queries, adding a visual dimension to the interaction.

Privacy and User Control

Privacy is a cornerstone of WhatsApp’s ethos, and the Meta AI voice chat feature reflects this commitment. Voice processing occurs primarily on-device to minimize data exchange, aligning with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption standards for personal messages and calls. Meta cannot access messages unless they are explicitly shared with Meta AI (e.g., by mentioning @Meta AI). Users have full control over session flow, with options to mute the microphone, end the chat, or switch to text mode at any time.

Android’s system-level privacy indicator—a green dot in the status bar—alerts users when the microphone is active, ensuring transparency. For iOS users (where the feature is also being tested in beta version 25.21.10.76), an orange dot appears near the signal and battery icons to indicate microphone use. These indicators cannot be disabled, reinforcing user awareness.

Additionally, Meta may use prompts, shared messages, and feedback to improve AI performance, but users can delete individual chats or request the removal of shared information. This aligns with Meta’s Privacy Policy and AI Terms of Service, ensuring compliance and user trust.

The introduction of real-time voice chats with Meta AI positions WhatsApp as a leader in AI-driven communication. Unlike the earlier text-to-speech enhancement announced in September 2024, this feature offers true two-way voice interaction, bringing it closer to advanced voice assistants. It’s a significant step toward making AI more accessible, particularly for users who find typing cumbersome or prefer hands-free operation.

The ability to continue voice chats in the background is a standout feature. For example, users can ask Meta AI to summarize a webpage while browsing or clarify notes read aloud, enhancing productivity and multitasking. This functionality caters to diverse use cases, from visually impaired users to those in hands-busy situations, making WhatsApp a more inclusive platform.

Release Date and Future Prospects

While the feature is still in beta, its rollout to select testers suggests a broader public release is on the horizon. Android users are the first to experience it, with iOS support expected to follow. No official timeline for a full launch has been announced, but the feature’s stability in beta testing indicates progress.

WhatsApp is also exploring other AI-powered features, such as a text-rewriting tool that adjusts message styles and proofreads content before sending. Combined with the voice chat capability, these updates signal Meta’s ambition to deeply integrate AI into WhatsApp’s ecosystem, enhancing both functionality and user experience.

The voice chat feature also hints at future possibilities, such as celebrity voice options or dynamic voice modulation during calls, as seen in separate tests of Meta AI’s voice effects. These innovations could transform WhatsApp into a hub for both personal and AI-driven communication, setting it apart from competitors.