WhatsApp preparing two major updates: what will change in the messenger
Tengrinews.kz – Developers are preparing two long-awaited features for the messenger at once, which are now being actively tested in the latest beta versions. Very soon, users will be able to share custom chat designs directly with their conversation partner and transcribe annoying voice messages into text in various languages, citing WABetaInfo.
Chat themes
The messenger will introduce a feature that allows users to share their selected design with a conversation partner. The new feature was spotted in the iOS 26.37.10.16 beta version via TestFlight.
WhatsApp is testing a chat theme update to sync wallpapers!WhatsApp is working on a feature that will let users sync their chat theme with the other person in the conversation.https://t.co/m2zv23g7cq pic.twitter.com/LhSdjSugRz
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) September 15, 2026
How theme syncing will work
When setting up a theme, users will be able to choose whether to keep it only for themselves or sync it with the other participant. If syncing is enabled, the other person’s wallpaper and message color will change automatically, without the need to configure everything manually.
The feature will also work in group chats, allowing the design to be changed for all participants at once. Users will be able to share not only ready-made themes but also personal photos from their gallery — for example, setting a still from a favorite TV series or a funny photo of a best friend as the background.
When users will be able to use themes
At the moment, the feature is under development for iOS and is not yet available even to beta testers, while the date of its full release remains unknown. Usually, features move from development and testing to initial user access, and later to a global rollout, within several months.
New languages for transcription
Another expansion has also become known. New language packs have appeared in the WhatsApp beta version for Android, update 2.26.37.5.
WhatsApp is rolling out new languages for voice transcriptions!WhatsApp is introducing new language packs for voice message transcriptions on Android.https://t.co/JMTbQXAcUw pic.twitter.com/WlTw00X6v5
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) September 16, 2026
Which languages are supported
Transcription is currently available for Arabic, Spanish, Hindi, Portuguese and Russian. WhatsApp now plans to add 13 more languages.
They are expected to include several variants of English, as well as German, French, Italian and Japanese. However, the exact list of languages has not yet been specified.
How transcription works
According to the developers, transcription is performed directly on the device. It uses downloaded language packs, without sending audio files to external servers.
When the feature is first enabled, the app will offer to download the required language pack. After that, users will be able to manage them in WhatsApp settings.
Who it will be useful for
Transcription may be useful for those who are in a meeting or simply prefer reading messages instead of listening to them. It will also be convenient in situations where the other person often sends long voice messages that users do not want, or are unable, to listen to.
WhatsApp plans to continue expanding the list of languages for voice message transcription, and Kazakh may possibly appear in one of the next updates.
When the feature will become available to everyone
The new language packs are currently being gradually rolled out to beta testers via the Google Play Store. If the feature is not yet available, it may appear on a device in the coming weeks.
WhatsApp has not yet announced when the update will become available to all users.