WhatsApp launches AI writing assistant

Cosmico - WhatsApp launches AI writing assistant
Credit: WhatsApp/Meta Platforms, Inc.

WhatsApp is rolling out a new artificial intelligence feature designed to help users refine their messages before hitting send. The Meta-owned platform announced on Wednesday that its latest tool, “Writing Help,” can rephrase, proofread, or adjust the tone of messages — making it easier to strike the right balance between professional, playful, or supportive communication.

AI Assistance With Privacy in Mind

Unlike many third-party writing assistants, Writing Help is powered by Meta’s Private Processing technology, which ensures that neither Meta nor WhatsApp can read the original message or the AI-generated suggestions. This design choice reinforces WhatsApp’s core commitment to privacy, meaning conversations remain end-to-end encrypted even when AI is involved.

How It Works

The feature allows users to generate alternative versions of their text, offering styles such as professional, funny, supportive, or simply rephrased. For example, WhatsApp showcased a message saying, “Please don’t leave dirty socks on the sofa.” The AI then suggested lighthearted rewrites, including:

  • “Please don’t make the sofa a sock graveyard.”
  • “Breaking news: Socks found chilling on the couch. Please move them.”
  • “Hey, sock ninja, the laundry basket is that way!”

To use the tool, users simply tap a new pencil icon that appears while drafting a message.

Why It Matters

With this launch, WhatsApp is signaling its intent to keep users inside the app when they need writing assistance — reducing the need for external tools like ChatGPT. The feature may be particularly useful for professional communication, though some users might prefer keeping personal chats more authentic and unpolished. After all, crafting the perfect AI-assisted text for a boss or client is one thing, while sending a polished rewrite to grandma may feel less natural.

Availability

Writing Help begins rolling out in English across select countries starting Wednesday. WhatsApp has not yet announced a timeline for a wider release.

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