Meta-operated messaging platform WhatsApp has announced a major update that includes an AI-based auto-reply feature, TechCrunch reported on March 26.

The update adds a range of features to WhatsApp, including photo editing, storage optimisation and the ability to transfer chat history between iOS and Android.

A notable change is an upgrade to its “Writing Help” feature. First introduced in August last year, it supported sentence corrections and tone adjustments. The update advances it to a level where AI analyses conversation context and automatically recommends replies.

TechCrunch reported that Meta is encouraging users to use features within WhatsApp instead of external AI tools.

WhatsApp stressed that conversations remain private even when the feature is enabled. Users can use auto replies by pressing the sticker icon in the chat input field and selecting the AI function. It is also now possible to find and delete large files within a specific conversation, enabling storage optimisation, and an option is provided to organise only media files while preserving chat records.

Photo editing features have also been strengthened. Users can use Meta AI to remove unnecessary elements from photos, change backgrounds and apply new styles. WhatsApp also now allows chat history transfers between iOS and Android, and iOS users can log into two WhatsApp accounts at the same time.