WhatsApp for Android appears to be in the process of developing a new artificial intelligence (AI) widget. Feature tracker WABetaInfo has reported that this widget will enable users to interact with Meta’s AI chatbot directly from their home screens. Meta AI was integrated into WhatsApp in 2024 across certain regions, offering a seamless way for users to engage with the chatbot.
The widget’s development status was highlighted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android, version 2.25.1.27. However, since the feature is still in progress, it is not yet accessible to beta testers. The timeline for when users will be able to preview or use the widget remains uncertain.
WhatsApp’s Meta AI widget
Photo Credit: WABetaInfo
A screenshot included in the report illustrates what the new widget will look like, featuring a 4 x 1 layout similar to the Google Search widget. This widget has a light gray background along with a white text field and a camera icon.
The text box displays the circular Meta AI logo accompanied by the prompt “Ask Meta AI.” Users can tap on the text field to input a question. Following this, the full-screen chat interface of WhatsApp will open, allowing users to view responses from Meta AI. However, current reports indicate that the widget does not display the responses directly.
The presence of the camera icon is expected to facilitate quick image uploads to Meta AI. Users may request information or seek edits for the images they submit. Interestingly, WhatsApp already provides another widget that allows users to view multiple messages; however, that widget does not support the ability to send messages. If the details from the feature tracker are accurate, this new development will mark the second Android widget introduced by WhatsApp.
