In a new update, WhatsApp is launching the latest feature that lets iPhone users connect and chat with third-party agents directly within the messaging app.
As per WABetaInfo, WhatsApp’s new feature allows users to create up to five agents from WhatsApp’s settings.
Users can give every agent a name and profile photo ahead of WhatsApp generates an API key.
The key can then be entered into the third-party service where the agent is hosted, letting it connect to the WhatsApp chat and respond to messages.
Availability
The reported feature is currently accessible to a certain number of users in select states via WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.37.10.70 on TestFlight.
WhatsApp stated an agent will only be able to access data which is explicitly shared by the sender in the chat, suggesting the company has restricted it from accessing other chats, contacts or media stored on the device.
Once connected, the agent appears in the chat list and users can easily interact with it like a regular conversation.
However, chats with third-party agents have an essential privacy difference from standard WhatsApp conversations.
It is pertinent to mention these chats are not end-to-end encrypted because messages are routed through a secure Meta service on behalf of the agent developer.
The agent developer can easily access messages as part of the service. Disappearing messages are also not supported in these chats.
Previously, the feature was launched on Android and is now expanding to iPhone users. The feature is being rolled out gradually to a select number of users; however, the company has yet to officially announce third-party agent chats will become widely available to all users.
