New feature for direct chat with third-party agents on WhatsApp

WhatsApp has begun testing a new feature for iPhone users that allows them to add third-party agents directly to their WhatsApp chat list and interact with them. Currently, this facility is being rolled out to a limited number of users, and testing is underway in select countries.

According to WABetaInfo, the beta version offers users the option to add their own agent via WhatsApp settings. Up to five agents can be linked to a single WhatsApp account.

How will the agent be connected to WhatsApp?

When adding an agent, the user can select a specific name and profile picture for it. WhatsApp then provides an API key, which can be used within the relevant third-party service to link the agent to the WhatsApp chat.

WhatsApp has advised against sharing this API key with anyone else, as doing so could grant full control over the agent.

Once connected, the agent will appear in the chat list just like a regular WhatsApp contact. Users can utilize it for tasks such as drafting messages, taking notes, or acting as a personal assistant. This system will not be limited to artificial intelligence alone; other compatible bots can also be connected through it.

The agent will not have access to regular personal chats

Regarding privacy, WhatsApp states that the third-party agent will only be able to read messages that the user explicitly shares with it. It will not have direct access to the user's regular personal chats, contacts, or media. However, conversations with the agent will not be end-to-end encrypted like standard WhatsApp chats. According to WABetaInfo, Meta's secure service will be used to transmit these messages to the agent developer's system.

Currently, this feature is not available to all iPhone users; it is being rolled out gradually to a limited number of users in select countries, with the compatible beta version identified as WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.37.10.70.