WhatsApp tests AI feature to summarise unread messages

The new tool, currently in beta, aims to help users quickly catch up on missed conversations by generating secure summaries across chats, reducing the need to open messages individually while maintaining privacy controls.

WhatsApp is developing a new artificial intelligence-powered feature designed to help users manage large volumes of unread messages more efficiently. The tool, currently being tested in beta versions on Android and iOS, will allow users to generate summaries of multiple unread chats in one place.

The feature is aimed at addressing a common user challenge—keeping up with conversations across numerous personal and group chats. At present, users must open each chat individually to review missed messages, a process that can be time-consuming. The upcoming update seeks to simplify this by offering a consolidated overview of unread conversations.

AI-driven summaries with privacy focus

According to reports, the summarisation feature is powered by Meta’s AI capabilities and leverages a system known as “Private Processing.” This approach is designed to ensure that message content is handled securely while generating summaries, without exposing personal data.

The system processes chat content in a protected environment to produce concise summaries, enabling users to understand key highlights without scrolling through entire conversations. Importantly, neither the platform nor its parent company, Meta Platforms, is expected to access the content during this process, reinforcing privacy safeguards.

Expanding beyond individual chat summaries

WhatsApp has already experimented with AI summaries for individual chats in select regions, where users can tap a dedicated option to receive a quick overview of a conversation. The new feature builds on this capability by extending it to multiple chats simultaneously.

A dedicated option within the inbox is expected to allow users to generate a combined summary of all unread messages. This could significantly reduce the time required to catch up, particularly after periods of inactivity or when managing high-volume group interactions.

The feature will be optional, requiring users to enable it through settings. This ensures greater control over how AI tools interact with personal data and messaging habits.

Currently under development, the feature has not yet been released to the public. While no official timeline has been announced, its presence in beta versions indicates that broader availability may follow after testing and refinement.