Meta Corporation, recognized by some as extremist and banned in Russia, has rolled out a new beta for WhatsApp on iOS. The standout feature is the integration of generative artificial intelligence into the “Support” area. The built‑in neural network is designed to field questions from users who find the app tricky to use, with reports citing WABetaInfo as the source.
Introducing this AI capability doesn’t mean a complete handoff away from human support. If the AI can’t resolve a question or if a user asks for human assistance, the system will escalate the issue to a human agent. The goal is to keep conversations flowing, even when support staff are tied up, by offering quick, autonomous help while still ensuring real people can step in when needed.
The overarching aim of the feature is to speed up issue resolution and reduce the burden on support teams. By handling common questions automatically, the AI helps decrease overall response times and lets human agents focus on more complex problems. This approach aligns with broader efforts in customer care to balance automation with personalized assistance.
In terms of availability, the AI assistant is currently in the beta version of WhatsApp for iOS, with the build number 24.3.10.71. Earlier, a similar AI function appeared in the beta of the Android version, bearing build number 2.24.4.3. There is no publicly announced date for when this neural assistance will move from beta to general release in mainstream builds.
There are cautions about using virtual private networks (VPNs) in some regions, underscoring the need for users to stay informed about local restrictions and safety considerations when enabling AI features within messaging apps. (Source: WABetaInfo and related beta notes)