WhatsApp could soon become more than just a messaging platform. The Meta-owned app is reportedly working on a new artificial intelligence feature that may allow users to connect with third-party AI agents and chatbots directly inside WhatsApp.
If introduced widely, the feature could reduce the need to switch between separate AI apps and websites. Users may be able to connect compatible AI services to their WhatsApp account and access them through dedicated chats, much like communicating with a regular contact.
The feature is still under development and has not been officially announced for a public rollout. However, details spotted in a recent Android beta version suggest that WhatsApp is exploring deeper integration with external AI services.
New 'Agents' Section Could Appear in WhatsApp Settings
According to WhatsApp feature tracker WABetaInfo, references to the upcoming functionality have been found in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.35.3.
The app may introduce a new section called “Agents” inside Settings.
This section could serve as a central place where users can add, configure and manage compatible AI services connected to WhatsApp.
Instead of opening a separate application every time they want to use an AI assistant, users could potentially access the connected service from within their WhatsApp chat list.
Users May Be Able to Add Multiple AI Agents
One of the more interesting elements of the reported feature is support for multiple AI agents.
According to the source, WhatsApp may allow users to connect up to five AI agents to a single account.
This could make it possible to use different AI services for different purposes.
For example, one agent might be used for productivity-related tasks, another for research, and a third for creative assistance, depending on which services ultimately become compatible with the platform.
Each connected agent may also have its own name and profile picture, making it easier for users to distinguish between different AI services inside WhatsApp.
API Key Could Be Used to Connect AI Services
The integration process may rely on an API key.
According to the report, once a user configures an AI agent in WhatsApp, the app could generate an API key. The user may then need to enter that key into the service where the AI agent is hosted.
This would establish a connection between the external AI service and WhatsApp.
The exact process could change before the feature is released publicly, as it is currently being tested.
Every AI Agent Could Have Its Own Chat
Another major aspect of the feature is that each connected AI agent may appear as a separate conversation within WhatsApp.
This could make the experience more familiar for users because interacting with an AI assistant would feel similar to opening any other WhatsApp chat.
Users would not necessarily have to leave the messaging app to ask questions, generate responses or access other AI-powered services.
The approach could potentially turn WhatsApp into a broader communication hub where both human conversations and AI interactions take place within the same interface.
AI Agents May Not Access Other WhatsApp Chats
Privacy will be one of the biggest concerns if third-party AI agents are integrated into WhatsApp.
According to the report, connected AI agents may not be given access to a user's other WhatsApp chats, contacts or media files.
If implemented as described, this separation could help limit the amount of personal information available to third-party AI services.
However, users would still need to understand the privacy policies and data-handling practices of any external AI provider they choose to connect.
The final privacy controls will only become clear if and when WhatsApp officially launches the feature.
Users May Be Able to Remove an Agent Anytime
WhatsApp may also make it easy to disconnect AI agents from an account.
Users could reportedly manage connected agents from the Settings menu, where they may be able to change an agent's name or profile image and remove the connection entirely.
Removing an agent would reportedly disconnect it from WhatsApp. However, previous conversations with that agent could remain visible in the app.
If users later decide to reconnect the same service, they may be able to set it up again using a newly generated API key.
Why This Feature Could Be Important for WhatsApp
WhatsApp is already used by millions of people for messaging, voice calls, video calls, business communication, file sharing and payments in supported markets.
Allowing third-party AI agents to operate directly inside the app could add another major use case.
Instead of asking users to download separate AI applications, WhatsApp could become a single access point for multiple artificial intelligence services.
For users who already spend a large part of their day inside WhatsApp, the convenience could be significant.
It could also create new opportunities for AI developers if WhatsApp eventually provides a broader framework for integrating compatible agents.
Feature Is Still in Testing
Despite the early details, users should not expect the feature to appear immediately.
The third-party AI agent integration is currently reported to be in the testing stage, and WhatsApp has not announced an official launch date.
Features spotted in beta versions can also change substantially before public release, and some experimental functions may never reach all users.
For now, the development indicates that WhatsApp is exploring ways to expand AI capabilities beyond its existing features. If third-party AI agent support is eventually introduced at scale, users could gain the ability to access several AI services directly through individual WhatsApp chats without constantly switching between different apps.
