WhatsApp is rolling out a new transcription feature to make voice messaging more convenient and accessible.
This feature, set to launch globally for Android and iOS in the coming weeks, will automatically generate text transcripts of voice messages, enabling users to read messages when listening is not an option.
The update perfectly balances the ease of recording voice messages and the challenges of listening to them in noisy or busy environments. With this new functionality, recipients with transcription enabled will see the text version of the voice clip beneath the message. This innovation is beneficial for users who prefer avoiding audio playback during conversations.
Privacy remains a key focus for WhatsApp. According to the announcement, transcripts are generated locally on the device, ensuring that “no one else, not even WhatsApp, can hear or read your messages.” The feature will be disabled by default upon release, but users can activate it through the “Voice Message Transcripts” option under the “Chats” section in the app’s settings.
Initially, the feature supports languages including English, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Hindi for Android users, while iOS users will have access to a broader language range. WhatsApp has confirmed plans to expand language support further in the coming months.
