iPhone users will soon get Meta AI shortcut in WhatsApp chats, here’s how it will work
The shortcut adds an "Ask Meta AI" option to the message menu.
Messages appear as quoted text, with users required to add context before sending.
The feature is rolling out to select iOS beta testers via TestFlight.
WhatsApp has been consistently working on adding AI features to the platform. Now, a WaBetaInfo report suggests that the Meta-owned instant messaging platform is working on the expansion of Meta AI on the app for iOS users, making it easier to interact with the chatbot directly from the chat. This new feature is a part of the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 25.26.10.71, available through TestFlight, and mirrors functionality that recently debuted on Android.
SurveyWith this update, the message menu now has a new “Ask Meta AI” option. Users can choose this shortcut to open Meta AI with the original text attached as a quoted reference, rather than forwarding it to a different AI chat. Before sending anything to the assistant, users are encouraged by this design to provide their own context, such as seeking clarification, verifying the accuracy of a news claim, or requesting more information.
As per the report, WhatsApp makes it clear that the AI cannot see any message content unless the user chooses to share it. Users maintain control and must manually add context and confirm before sending a query; simply tapping the shortcut does not send the text.
By enabling users to confirm information without interfering with their chat flow, the feature seeks to streamline fact-checking and lessen the dissemination of false information. They can now interact with Meta AI directly in the conversation rather than copying or forwarding content.
It must be noted that the Ask Meta AI feature is currently available to select beta testers on iOS. However, it is expected to rollout with the upcoming update in the coming weeks. Do note that the official rollout timeline still remains unknown.
Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. He's been wrangling tech jargon since 2020 (Times Internet, Jagran English '22). When not policing commas, he's likely fueling his gadget habit with coffee, strategising his next virtual race, or plotting a road trip to test the latest in-car tech. He speaks fluent Geek. View Full Profile