WhatsApp is testing a new artificial intelligence feature that could allow users to summarise unread messages across multiple chats, aiming to make it easier to keep up with conversations without scrolling through long threads.
The feature, currently under development, will enable users to generate concise summaries of unread messages, offering a quick overview of key points from both group and individual chats. According to reports, the tool is being tested in beta versions of the app and could be rolled out to users in stages once development is complete.
The update marks another step in Meta’s broader push to integrate AI into its platforms, with a focus on improving user experience and efficiency in communication-heavy environments.
How the feature works
The summarisation tool is designed to allow users to view a combined summary of multiple unread chats from within the main inbox. Instead of opening each conversation individually, users can tap a “Get a summary” option to receive a condensed version of messages they have missed.
Currently, WhatsApp offers limited AI summarisation within individual chats, but the new feature expands this capability to multiple conversations at once. This is expected to be particularly useful for users managing busy group chats or high message volumes.
The summaries are generated using Meta’s AI systems and are designed to highlight key information while filtering out repetitive or less relevant content.
Focus on privacy and security
Meta has emphasised that the summarisation process will be handled through what it calls “Private Processing”, a system designed to ensure that message content remains secure and inaccessible to both the company and third parties.
According to WhatsApp, “neither WhatsApp nor Meta can read your personal messages” during the summarisation process, as the data is processed in a secure, isolated environment.
The feature will also be optional, allowing users to choose whether to enable AI-powered summaries.
Growing role of AI in messaging
The introduction of message summaries reflects a wider trend in the tech industry, where artificial intelligence is increasingly being embedded into everyday digital tools.
Meta has been expanding AI capabilities across its ecosystem, including chatbots, image generation and productivity tools, as it competes with rivals in the race to develop more advanced AI-driven services.
Analysts say features like message summarisation are aimed at addressing “information overload”, a growing challenge for users who rely on messaging platforms for both personal and professional communication.
Challenges and user expectations
While the feature promises convenience, experts caution that AI-generated summaries may face challenges related to accuracy and context, particularly in complex or sensitive conversations.
There are also questions about how effectively AI can capture tone, nuance and intent, which are often critical in human communication.
Despite these concerns, early interest in AI-driven messaging tools suggests strong demand for features that reduce time spent managing digital communication.
What comes next
The feature is still under development and has not yet been widely released. Once testing is complete, it is expected to be introduced to select beta users before a broader rollout.
If successful, the update could significantly change how users interact with messaging apps, shifting from reading every message to relying on AI-generated summaries for quick updates.
