WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new voice-to-text messaging feature for Android that could allow users to dictate messages instead of typing them manually or sending audio recordings.
The feature was reportedly spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.37.8. According to WABetaInfo, the tool remains under development and has not yet been released to beta testers.
The reported feature could add a microphone-style button to the WhatsApp chat bar. When users tap the button, they would be able to speak their message while the app processes their words and displays a “Listening…” indicator.
Once the speech has been converted into text, users would reportedly be able to review the message, make corrections and send it as a standard text message.
Unlike a conventional voice note, the recipient would not receive an audio recording. Instead, they would receive only the text generated from the user’s speech. The feature is reportedly being developed for individual chats, group conversations and channels.
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WhatsApp may also allow the voice-to-text tool to work without an internet connection. The app could use language packs downloaded to the device to process spoken messages locally, potentially allowing users to dictate texts while offline.
The technology would build on WhatsApp’s existing voice message transcription system, which supports on-device processing through downloaded language packs.
However, the feature remains experimental, and its design or functionality could change before a wider rollout. WhatsApp has not announced an official release date, and the final position or appearance of the microphone button may differ from the version currently under development.
For now, the reported voice-to-text feature appears to be limited to Android development, with no confirmation about when, or whether, it will become available to all WhatsApp users.
