WhatsApp appears to be developing a new feature that integrates advanced AI tools into its status editor, allowing users to modify image-based status updates directly within the app. According to reports from WABetaInfo, this enhancement adds AI-powered “Imagine” tools that offer creative and content-aware image editing, eliminating the need for third-party applications.
In the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS (version 25.37.10.73), some users are seeing new AI capabilities inside the status editor. These AI-powered tools, referred to as “Imagine,” are designed to let users modify and enhance photos without leaving the WhatsApp app. While currently available to a subset of beta testers on iOS, a few users on the stable App Store release may also have access.
When a user selects an image for a status update, WhatsApp reportedly displays a redesigned editing interface. In addition to traditional filters, this screen now features AI-based creative options that leverage Meta’s artificial intelligence to transform photos in more imaginative ways.
The primary goal appears to be keeping advanced image editing inside WhatsApp, rather than forcing users to switch to external tools. The interface utilizes familiar layouts and controls, ensuring that even complex edits feel intuitive and seamless.
According to WABetaInfo, users who enter the new AI editing section can choose from an expanding set of visual styles. Unlike typical filters, these styles fundamentally alter how the image is rendered, offering artistic transformations. Reported styles include:
3D
Comic Book
Anime
Classical
Clay
Felt
Kawaii
Painting
Video Game
These options provide distinct artistic aesthetics — from animated looks to more painterly and stylized visuals. Importantly, this approach goes beyond surface-level overlays and works by rebuilding parts of the image for a richer effect.
Once a visual style is applied, users can tap a Redo button to generate an alternate variation in the same theme. Each regeneration yields a slightly different result, making it easier for users to experiment until they achieve the desired expression or mood.
Beyond stylistic effects, the AI editor reportedly allows users not only to alter appearance but also to change the content of an image itself. With assistance from Meta AI:
Users can add elements to a photo.
They can enhance details or remove unwanted objects.
AI fills in the background naturally to maintain visual coherence.
A similar capability already exists on Instagram, where Meta AI helps recreate elements of a photo while preserving realism.
A notable addition is prompt-based editing — where users can type short text prompts to describe a new setting or theme. This feature enables users to transform ordinary photos into more imaginative visuals based on simple textual descriptions, removing the need for manual and technical editing skills.
WhatsApp’s new AI tools reportedly include image animation capabilities that convert static photos into short animated visuals. These animations add motion to status updates and can help highlight reactions, memorable moments, or creative ideas in a more engaging way — all without significantly altering the original scene.
If rolled out more broadly, these AI enhancements could revolutionize how users post and interact with status updates, making WhatsApp a more powerful and creative platform for visual communication. By integrating these features directly within the app’s editor, WhatsApp aims to reduce reliance on external photo-editing software and offer a more immersive, AI-driven experience.