WhatsApp to Introduce Real-Time Voice Chat with Meta AI: Here’s How It Works

In a major leap for conversational AI, WhatsApp is rolling out a game-changing feature: real-time voice chat with Meta AI. Soon, users won’t just be chatting via text — they’ll be able to speak directly with Meta’s chatbot using their voice, making the experience more intuitive and natural. This new feature is currently being tested in the Android beta version of WhatsApp and is expected to reach a wider audience in the coming weeks.

Voice Chat Just Like a Phone Call

According to WABetaInfo, the feature has been spotted in WhatsApp beta version 2.25.21.21. It allows users to interact with Meta AI just like they would on a phone call. The new option adds a voice waveform icon in the Meta AI chat tab. Tapping this icon initiates a real-time voice conversation with the AI.

What sets this feature apart is its hands-free convenience and similarity to a regular phone call. Users can opt to manually start a voice chat or configure settings to launch the interaction automatically by toggling the auto-start option. However, this toggle is disabled by default, ensuring users maintain full control over when and how they engage with Meta AI.

How to Use Meta AI Voice Chat on WhatsApp

To start a conversation:

• Open the Meta AI chatbot from the chat tab in WhatsApp.

• Tap the waveform icon to begin voice chat.

• Alternatively, head to the ‘Calls’ tab and tap on the Meta AI contact to initiate a chat from there.

The voice chat interface is designed to mirror the feel of a hands-free phone call. Users will see predefined voice suggestions, helping them get started with the conversation easily. There’s also a “Collapse” icon that lets the chat run in the background, just like ongoing WhatsApp voice calls — allowing multitasking across other apps.

Full Control Over Privacy and Experience

One of the most appreciated features in this rollout is the level of control users retain over their privacy. During the voice chat, users can mute the microphone, end the session by tapping the ‘X’ button, or switch back to text mode at any time.

Android’s privacy indicators are integrated into the experience, displaying when the microphone is active. This helps maintain transparency about when Meta AI is listening, so users are never in the dark about their privacy status.

When Will This Feature Be Available?

Currently, this real-time voice chat with Meta AI is available only to selected beta testers on Android. WhatsApp has not announced an official release date for all users, but considering its growing popularity and potential to enhance user experience, a wider rollout is expected soon.

What This Means for the Future of Messaging

Meta AI's integration into WhatsApp is more than just a feature update — it's a glimpse into the future of messaging apps. Real-time voice interaction with AI could redefine how people get information, troubleshoot issues, or simply have engaging conversations.

As voice technology evolves, combining AI capabilities with messaging platforms could set a new standard for human-AI interaction. This move by WhatsApp may soon become a benchmark in how AI assistance is delivered across messaging ecosystems.