WhatsApp Tests AI-Powered 'Writing Help' Feature for iOS Users

WhatsApp starts testing AI-powered writing suggestions on iOS - 9to5Mac

In the latest TestFlight release for its iOS beta testers, WhatsApp rolled out a tool called "Writing Help," which suggests replies based on the tone set by the user. Here's how it works. As noted by WABetaInfo: When Private Processing is enabled from the app settings, some users will notice that after typing a short phrase within the chat text input, the sticker icon in the chat bar is replaced with a pen symbol. This new icon indicates that the AI assistant is available to provide writing suggestions. Tapping it allows the user to instantly request improvements to structure, tone, or clarity, making it easier to craft polished and personalized messages before sending them. In practice, Writing Help offers "at least three" alternative phrasings, based on one of five tones that the user can choose from: After reviewing the results, the user can either keep the original message, or replace it with one of the suggestions. The recipient won't see any indication that AI was used. Meta says that Writing Help is powered by its "Private Processing" system, which is the same architecture behind Meta AI features in other apps. As with the Android version, the AI assistant is off by default and must be turned on manually. The company claims that it doesn't store user data, that messages are processed anonymously and encrypted, and that it only works on the one message currently in the input field, meaning it doesn't scan the conversation history. As with other beta features being tested on TestFlight, there is no specific ETA for the official release, but given Meta's push to roll out AI-based features, it shouldn't be long before it's made available more broadly.

Latest WhatsApp Beta for iPhone Includes AI Writing Help Feature

WhatsApp is testing an AI-powered writing assistant feature for iPhone users that aims to improve communication over the message platform, reports WaBetaInfo. Writing Tools, which is an Apple Intelligence feature, is not available in WhatsApp - and this is presumably why. Called "Writing Help," the new feature is already available on Android and appears within the messaging platform's app interface whenever the user types a phrase or sentence into the chat input field. A pen symbol replaces the sticker icon in the chat bar to indicate that the AI assistant is available to provide writing suggestions. When the user taps the symbol, Writing Help offers users improvements to the structure, tone, or clarity of their message before it's sent. The feature offers at least three alternative phrasings for the message text that are based on five user-selectable options, including rephrase (improves clarity and flow), professional, funny, supportive, and proofread. Users can use one of the suggestions or keep the original message, and the recipient is not notified if AI is used. Meta says its new Writing Help feature runs on the same Private Processing system that powers other Meta AI tools across its apps. Like the Android version, the assistant is switched off by default and has to be enabled manually. According to Meta, users' data isn't stored, and messages are encrypted and processed anonymously. The AI scan is also limited to the draft in the input box, meaning the conversation history remains out of bounds. This is a beta feature delivered through TestFlight, so there's no timeline for a full release. Still, with Meta accelerating its rollout of AI-driven tools, Writing Help is likely to reach more users sooner rather than later. According to a Wall Street Journal report from June 2024, Apple held discussions with Meta about integrating the Facebook owner's AI model into iOS 18 as part of its Apple Intelligence feature set. However, Apple turned down the AI partnership due to privacy concerns. Apple instead ended up signing a deal with OpenAI to include optional ChatGPT access in its Siri responses.

WhatsApp adds AI writing assistant in test build

WhatsApp has initiated testing of a new artificial intelligence-driven feature called "Writing Help" for iOS users through its TestFlight program. The feature aims to provide contextual suggestions for composing messages based on the desired tone selected by the user. According to WABetaInfo, when the "Private Processing" setting is enabled within the application, users may observe that the standard sticker icon located in the chat bar is replaced by a distinct pen symbol after they input a brief phrase into the text field. This pen icon serves as an indicator that the AI assistant, "Writing Help," is available and ready to offer writing suggestions. By tapping on this pen symbol, users can promptly request enhancements to the structure, tone, or overall clarity of their message, thereby facilitating the creation of more refined and personalized communications prior to sending. The "Writing Help" feature is designed to provide users with a minimum of three alternative phrasings for their messages. Users can select from five distinct tones to tailor these suggestions: "Rephrase," which aims to improve clarity and flow without altering the original meaning; "Professional," which adjusts the language for more formal communication contexts; "Funny," which introduces a lighter or more humorous element; "Supportive," which softens the tone to be more empathetic and uplifting; and "Proofread," which focuses on correcting spelling and grammar errors. Following the review of the AI-generated suggestions, users have the option to either retain their original message or replace it with one of the provided alternatives. WhatsApp has confirmed that the recipient of the message will not be notified or otherwise made aware if AI assistance was employed in the composition of the message. Meta has emphasized that the "Writing Help" feature is designed to be opt-in, requiring users to actively enable it. This feature is powered by Meta's "Private Processing" system, the same architecture used for other Meta AI features across various applications. This AI assistant is disabled by default and necessitates manual activation by the user within the application's settings. Meta states that it does not store user data related to the "Writing Help" feature. Messages are processed anonymously and encrypted, and the AI operates solely on the current message within the input field, without scanning or utilizing any conversation history. While there is no specific estimated time of arrival (ETA) for the official release of this feature, Meta's focus on integrating AI-based functionalities suggests that it could become widely available in the near future.

WhatsApp May Bring New Feature to Craft the Perfect Message

The new feature is currently available to beta users for testing WhatsApp appears to be working on a new artificial intelligence (AI) based feature. The Meta-owned messaging platform is reportedly developing a new Writing Help assistant feature designed to offer writing suggestions for users. This update, powered by AI Private Processing, enables users to craft and respond to messages quickly. The feature has been spotted on the latest WhatsApp for Android beta release, which is available via the Google Play Beta programme. The Writing Help is said to be optional. According to a report by WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, the instant messaging platform is experimenting with the AI-powered Writing Help assistant feature, designed to let users refine their messages before sending. The tool provides suggestions in different tones, allowing users to customise their messages. This feature is reportedly in early testing and was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.23.7 update, which is available through the Google Play Beta programme. Here's How WhatsApp's Writing Help Assistant Feature Works The Writing Help assistant reportedly uses Meta's Private Processing technology. The AI-related requests are said to be processed through encrypted connections and anonymous routing, preventing any link between the request and the user's identity. The new functionality will reportedly generate multiple suggestions for a message without storing the content or any related data. Photo Credit: Wabetainfo The report includes screenshots showing the Writing Help assistant tool, offering a glimpse of what the feature might look like when it goes live. According to the screenshots, when Private Processing is enabled, users will see the sticker icon replaced by a pen icon after typing a few words, indicating the Writing Help feature. Tapping it allows users to get suggestions from Meta AI to improve the tone, clarity, or grammar of their texts. If the user doesn't proceed, the message stays on the device. Only when confirmed, the text will be reportedly sent for AI-based enhancement. Private Processing then analyses the message, generates several suggestions, and sends back a private response to the user's device. Writing Help reportedly offers three AI-generated suggestions in one of five tones -- Rephrase, Professional, Funny, Supportive, and Proofread. More tones could be added later. Users can choose to keep their original message or send an AI-enhanced version, without the recipient knowing it was AI-assisted. The report notes that WhatsApp will never change or send messages using AI without the user's clear consent. Writing Help processes only the selected message, not the entire chat. The feature is said to be optional, and when Private Processing is turned off by default, the feature will not work unless the user enables it manually in the app settings. As mentioned, the feature is currently available to a small group of beta users for testing and feedback. It is likely to be available in an upcoming WhatsApp update. It may also get updated before the final release.

WhatsApp may help you write your messages better with AI: Here's how

The AI only processes messages explicitly selected by the user and never modifies chats automatically. WhatsApp has introduced a lot of features previously, with many in the pipeline in order to enhance the user experience. With the same aim, the Meta-owned instant messaging app is now reportedly working on a new AI-powered feature called Writing Help. According to WaBetaInfo, the feature is rolling out to select beta users with the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.23.7 update, which is available on Google Play Store. It uses Meta's Private Processing technology to generate AI suggestions securely and anonymously. The feature works by providing multiple message suggestions in different tones, including rephrasing, professional, funny, supportive, and proofreading. It will allow users to select the version that best fits their requirements. When the users choose to use Writing Help, the only selected message is sent to the Private Processing infrastructure, which securely generates suggestions without storing any original content. This means that WhatsApp or Meta gets to access the messages and AI-generated responses. Also read: Google Pixel 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro and 10 release date, specifications, price and all other latest leaks Soon after it gets enabled in the Settings, Writing Help will appear when users type three or four words in a chat, replacing the sticker icon with a pen icon. Once the user taps on it, it will trigger the AI assistant, and the user can choose to keep their replacement with an AI-enhanced version. Feedback on the AI suggestions is optional and is sent anonymously, ensuring privacy at all stages. As per the report, the tool will be optional, and the messages will never be modified automatically. The AI will only process the specific messages selected by the user and will not have access to broader conversations. For now, the feature is under development, with select users having access to it. It may roll out for the users globally in the coming weeks with the future update.