WhatsApp is currently testing two innovative features in the latest beta versions of its Android app. The Meta-owned messaging platform has introduced a widget that simplifies access to its Meta AI chatbot, eliminating the need to open the app. Additionally, select beta testers now have access to an AI-generated group icon feature, enabling users to create custom group images using text prompts. These enhancements are expected to be widely available for both iOS and Android users in the future.
AI-Generated Group Icons Now Available for Beta Testers
Users who have updated to WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.6.10 (as reported by WABetaInfo) may notice a new functionality allowing them to generate group icons using Meta AI. By tapping the pencil icon while editing a group’s display picture, a new “Create AI Image” option appears, giving users the ability to craft unique visuals via AI-generated prompts.
The feature has been confirmed on the latest beta build of WhatsApp for Android. Upon selecting “Create AI Image,” users can enter a text prompt, and Meta AI will generate multiple image options. Testers can then browse through these AI-created images and choose one as their group icon.
Meta AI Widget Enhances Accessibility
In a more recent update—WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.6.14—a new home screen widget has been introduced, offering direct access to the Meta AI chatbot. This widget provides a convenient shortcut for engaging with the AI assistant without opening the app first.
While early reports from WABetaInfo showcase a larger widget featuring three buttons—Ask Meta AI, Camera, and Voice—It was observed a more compact version that displays only the Ask Meta AI button upon installing WhatsApp beta 2.25.6.14.
By tapping “Ask Meta AI,” users are taken directly to a chat with the AI assistant, where they can type a query or use Camera and Voice options for image-based or audio prompts. Until the new widget is made available to all users, those on the stable version of WhatsApp must rely on the Meta AI floating action button (FAB) within the app to interact with the chatbot.