WhatsApp has launched a new feature called "Message Summaries," designed to help users stay on top of unread messages with the help of artificial intelligence.
Rolled out in the United States for English-language chats as of June 26, 2025, this optional tool creates concise, bullet-point summaries of conversations, making it easier to catch up without scrolling through long chat threads.
How Message Summaries Work
The feature is tailored for busy group chats or for users returning to their phones after being offline.
When unread messages pile up, a "Summarize privately" banner appears above the chat. Tapping it generates a summary of key points.
The feature is disabled by default and can be enabled or disabled for specific chats through WhatsApp's privacy settings.
Privacy and Security
Privacy is a core focus, with Meta, WhatsApp's parent company, ensuring that the AI operates within a secure, encrypted environment.
Using a technology called Private Processing, introduced at Llamacon in April 2025, the feature maintains WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption.
Message content isn't stored or accessed by Meta, and summaries are deleted immediately after being generated, visible only to the user.
Availability and Expansion
Currently, Message Summaries is available only to U.S. users chatting in English, but Meta has plans to expand it to other languages and regions later in 2025.
While the feature is still rolling out, some users and businesses have turned to third-party tools like Roger365.io and Periskope.app, which offer similar AI-driven summarization with extras like CRM integration or multilingual support.
Broader Context
The launch of Message Summaries is part of a growing trend of integrating AI into communication apps, similar to Apple's notification summaries.
As WhatsApp evolves, this feature could reshape how its over 2 billion users manage their conversations, balancing convenience with a strong commitment to privacy.
Editor's Comments
WhatsApp's "Message Summaries" represents a thoughtful application of AI in messaging—balancing convenience with privacy.
By allowing users to opt-in and using secure cloud processing, Meta addresses key concerns around data security while delivering practical value.
The feature could significantly improve user experience in high-volume chats, particularly as it expands globally.
However, its success will depend on the accuracy of the summaries and continued transparency about how data is handled.
Meanwhile, third-party tools will likely remain relevant for business users needing deeper integrations or immediate availability.
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