WhatsApp Is Working on Offline Voice-to-Text Dictation

WhatsApp is currently working on a new Android feature that will allow users to speak a message and convert it into text, rather than sending it as an audio recording. This feature was spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.37.8 by WABetaInfo. The new feature will rely on locally downloaded language packs, enabling it to function without an active internet connection.

It is planned to be located directly in the chat bar, with a dedicated dictation button. Upon first activation, users will see a brief introduction and be prompted to choose a language. Once set up, the app will enter listening mode, indicated by "Listening…" in the chat bar. Users can then speak their message and send it once the text conversion is complete.

The feature will initially work in individual chats, groups, and channels. Processing will occur on the device itself, eliminating the need to transmit audio to an external server for transcription. This is distinct from WhatsApp's existing voice message transcription feature, which converts received audio messages into text. Users will not send or receive the original recording or hear the sender's voice.

The final placement of the dictation button may change as the interface is still under development. The feature is still in an experimental stage and has not yet been made available to beta testers, so there is no confirmed release date.