WhatsApp to Introduce Automatic Message Translation Supporting Russian and 20 Other Languages

• March 22, 2026

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out a new feature on iPhone that will enable automatic translation of messages within chats. This update will allow users to communicate more easily with friends, family, and colleagues who speak different languages.

Integration with Apple’s iOS Language Capabilities

The upcoming translation functionality leverages Apple’s built-in language processing features available on iOS. By incorporating these native tools, WhatsApp can provide seamless translation without relying on external services or additional apps.

Support will extend to 21 languages in total, including Russian. This broad language coverage aims to connect users across various linguistic backgrounds, enhancing global communication on the platform.

By automating message translation, users can expect a more fluid and natural messaging experience. This is especially useful in contexts where conversations span multiple languages, reducing the need for manual translation or switching between apps.

Details such as the feature’s rollout timeline, exact user interface changes, and whether it will be available for Android or other platforms have not been disclosed. However, this development highlights WhatsApp’s ongoing focus on improving cross-language communication within its messaging ecosystem.

As messaging apps continue to evolve, integration of AI-based language translation is becoming a defining component to accommodate the increasingly global nature of conversations. WhatsApp’s move to embed this directly on iPhones reflects broader trends in utilizing native OS capabilities to enhance user experience.

WhatsApp will soon offer automatic message translation on iPhone, supporting Russian and 20 additional languages using iOS capabilities.