WhatsApp Side Chat Feature: WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new feature that will allow users to interact with Meta AI while staying inside their ongoing chats. The upcoming "Side Chat" interface is expected to make AI assistance faster and more convenient by offering contextual help without interrupting conversations.

WhatsApp Working on a Smarter AI Experience

WhatsApp continues to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities, and a new feature currently under development could make Meta AI far more useful during everyday conversations.

According to reports, the messaging platform is testing a feature called Side Chat, which is designed to let Android and iPhone users access Meta AI directly from an active conversation. Instead of switching between chats or opening a separate AI window, users will reportedly be able to ask questions and receive AI-powered assistance without leaving the chat they are reading.

The feature is still under development and has not yet been rolled out to the public.

What Is the Side Chat Feature?

The upcoming Side Chat feature is expected to appear as a dedicated AI panel alongside an active WhatsApp conversation.

Reports suggest the feature may be accessible through an "Ask Privately" option that opens from the side of the chat screen. Once activated, Meta AI will be able to assist users by understanding the context of the ongoing conversation and responding to relevant queries.

The original chat will remain visible in the 's upcoming Side Chat feature is being designed with privacy protections in mind. The reported implementation suggests that conversations used within the AI interface will remain protected, and users' private chats will continue to benefit from WhatsApp's existing security framework.

As the feature is still under development, its final privacy architecture and functionality may change before the public release.

Current Development Status

The Side Chat feature has reportedly entered the testing phase and is currently being evaluated before a wider rollout.

WhatsApp has not officially announced a release date, but reports indicate that the feature may become available to Android and iPhone users in the coming months after testing is completed.

As with many WhatsApp features, the rollout is expected to happen gradually once development is finished.

AI Features Continue to Expand on WhatsApp

The introduction of Side Chat would further strengthen Meta's efforts to integrate artificial intelligence across its platforms.

Over the past year, WhatsApp has introduced several AI-powered capabilities and new communication tools aimed at improving the user experience. These additions are part of Meta's broader strategy to make AI assistance available directly within its messaging ecosystem instead of requiring separate applications.

The company has also been expanding profile and communication features. One such addition introduced previously allows users to share short text updates on their profiles in a format similar to status notes, making it easier to communicate brief messages with contacts.

What Users Can Expect

If launched as currently reported, Side Chat could become one of WhatsApp's most practical AI features by allowing users to:

• Access Meta AI without interrupting conversations.

• Receive instant contextual assistance.

• Summarise lengthy chats.

• Generate quick replies.

• Improve productivity while messaging.

Although the feature is still under development, it signals WhatsApp's continued focus on integrating artificial intelligence into everyday communication while maintaining a familiar messaging experience.

Users interested in testing upcoming features may receive access first through future beta versions before the feature becomes available to the wider public.