WhatsApp tests built‑in AI chatbot Ask Meta AI in search
WhatsApp developers are experimenting with a chatbot that runs on built‑in artificial intelligence, a feature referred to as Ask Meta AI. The project appears to be integrated directly into the messaging app’s search experience. In beta builds already circulating, observers have spotted the AI component showing up in the Android version as part of the search interface. This marks a shift toward making artificial intelligence more accessible right inside chats and conversations, rather than requiring users to switch apps or platforms. The discovery comes from the WABetaInfo portal, which monitors beta releases and early access builds for WhatsApp.
Specifically, insiders report that WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.24.7.14, includes a search bar that can reach the Ask Meta AI chatbot. Users can pose questions or give commands directly within this bar, effectively turning the search field into a gateway for interactive AI assistance. The goal is to streamline the way people engage with AI by removing the friction of a separate app or interface. In short, questions can be asked and guidance can be obtained without leaving the chat experience.
Beyond simply enabling chat queries, developers are planning to enrich the search bar with practical tips. These tips would help users understand how to phrase queries to get the best AI responses and enhance the overall interaction with the neural network. The approach suggests a more proactive AI helper that suggests steps, clarifies user intent, and accelerates conversation starts by allowing quick entry of prompts right in the search area.
At this stage, access to the AI‑driven assistant is limited to a subset of WhatsApp testers. There is no public timeline for when the feature will be available to all users, and it remains unclear whether the AI will be functional in Russia. The on‑device AI enhancements appear to be part of a broader strategy to blend intelligent assistive capabilities with everyday messaging—a move aligned with industry trends toward ambient AI that sits in frequently used apps.
Earlier updates hinted at WhatsApp exploring neural networks for other tasks, including image editing. The company has shown interest in integrating AI across its product lines, signaling ongoing experimentation with automation and creative tools that expand what users can accomplish within the app. The evolving AI landscape within WhatsApp reflects a larger push by tech platforms to weave conversational and visual intelligence into the messaging experience, making everyday tasks more intuitive and faster to complete. (attribution: WABetaInfo)