WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new feature that could let iPhone users create and chat with third-party AI agents directly in the messaging app. The new AI agent chats feature could bring task-focused assistants to WhatsApp, helping users draft messages, organise tasks, and plan their day.
The feature has reportedly appeared in WhatsApp beta for iOS, suggesting that Meta is working to expand the platform beyond regular person-to-person messaging. However, these agent chats will work differently from normal WhatsApp conversations, especially when it comes to privacy.
How AI Agent Chats Will Work On WhatsApp
According to a report, users will be able to create agents from WhatsApp settings. Each agent can have its own name and profile photo. WhatsApp will then generate an API key that users can connect to a service operated by the agent's developer.
Once connected, the agent will appear like a regular WhatsApp contact, allowing users to chat with it directly.
Also Read: Apple Pay Launch Locked In October: Will It Sustain After The UPI Backlash?
Key details include:
• Users may be able to create up to five agents
• Agents can have custom names and profile photos
• An API key connects the agent to its developer's service
• Agents can only access content that users explicitly share with them
• They cannot access other personal chats, contacts or media on the device
• Users can reset the API key to disconnect or replace an agent
The agents will not necessarily be powered by AI. Developers can also create traditional bots that perform specific functions.
Privacy Limitations And iPhone Availability
One important difference is that chats with third party agents will reportedly not have the same end to end encryption as regular WhatsApp messages. Since third party developers operate these agents and messages are handled through a Meta service on their behalf, the conversations require a different setup.
The feature also reportedly does not support disappearing messages. However, users can reset their API key if they want to disconnect an agent.
WhatsApp has already been reported to be developing the feature for Android. On iPhone, it was spotted in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.37.10.70 through TestFlight.
For now, the AI agent chats feature is reportedly available only to a limited group of beta testers in selected countries. WhatsApp has not confirmed when it will roll out the feature to all users.
Are you still browsing through your broken screen? Don’t worry! Book at-home mobile phone screen repair with Cashify—an affordable and one-stop destination for all your mobile phone needs. In case you break your screen within 1 month of repair, we will replace your screen again—for FREE.
