WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is testing a new design that introduces a prominent tab for AI-powered features and chatbots. This update appears in the latest beta version of the app for Android, adding a new “AIs” tab to the main interface.
The new AI tab features a curated list of popular AI chatbots users can interact with, categorized by topics. It also includes tools like AI-powered image and sticker creation, as well as a search tool powered by Meta AI.
While these AI features are not entirely new to WhatsApp, they are currently limited to select countries and a few supported languages. Presently, users access Meta AI chatbots through the main “Chats” tab, but the new design highlights AI tools more prominently.
Meta is also testing the ability to create custom AI characters directly within the app, a feature previously limited to the AI Studio on Instagram.
In the redesigned interface, the new AI tab replaces the “Communities” tab, which is relocated to the “Chats” section instead of being removed.
The beta version of WhatsApp featuring this AI-focused tab is available on the Google Play Store, though access remains limited to select users. There’s no official release date for the new tab yet, and it is expected to remain restricted to countries where AI features are supported. Similar updates are anticipated for the iPhone version of WhatsApp.
With this move, Meta aims to encourage more users to engage with its Meta AI and other AI-driven chatbots.
