WhatsApp: Documents can be sent to Meta AI Apfelpatient

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Meta AI is set to take a significant step forward in WhatsApp: The assistant will soon be able to analyze not only photos but also entire documents. A recent beta version on iOS shows that the feature is currently being rolled out to initial testers.

WhatsApp has expanded its Meta AI integration in several stages over the past few months – most recently with the ability to conduct separate incognito chats with the assistant. However, Meta AI has lagged behind competitors like ChatGPT or Gemini in file support: only photos from the gallery or directly captured images could be sent to the assistant. This limitation is now set to be removed. A new beta version for iOS introduces an option that allows documents to be sent directly to Meta AI from the attachment menu.

Document upload appears in the iOS beta

The new feature was discovered in WhatsApp Beta for iOS version 26.20.10.72, which is being distributed via TestFlight. In this version, an additional option for sending documents appears in the familiar attachment menu within a chat using Meta AI. This allows files such as PDFs, spreadsheets, or text documents to be passed directly to the assistant without having to copy and paste or take screenshots (via WABetaInfo).

Previously, users had to either manually insert the content of a document into the chat or take a screenshot for Meta AI to process it. This was not only cumbersome, but quickly became impractical with longer files.

Why this step is important for Meta AI

With this extension, Meta AI adds a feature that has long been standard in other AI assistants. Users analyzing a long table or asking questions about a PDF can now drag the file directly into the chat. The assistant can then process the content in context and provide step-by-step answers or solutions.

For everyday WhatsApp use, this fits seamlessly into the already familiar practice: documents are constantly shared between individuals and in groups within the messenger. The fact that Meta AI can now be addressed in the same way lowers the barrier to entry – the interaction feels like any other file exchange in WhatsApp.

Gradual rollout via beta and App Store

The feature isn't reaching all testers immediately. According to the beta observers who discovered it, document uploads are initially being rolled out to a limited group and will be gradually expanded in the coming weeks. The option was already visible in the Android beta, and the current TestFlight build brings the iOS version up to date.

Even outside the official beta programs, some users might see the feature: A small percentage of users will also have access in the regular app store build. When the final rollout to all WhatsApp users will occur is still unclear – as is typical with Meta, some time can pass between beta screening and global availability, as was recently observed with the Liquid Glass redesign of the chat interface.

Meta AI is moving closer to its AI competitors

With the document upload feature, Meta is taking another visible step towards positioning its assistant as a serious alternative to the major AI tools. WhatsApp has already been working extensively on its AI capabilities in recent weeks, from AI summaries of unread messages to the aforementioned Incognito Chats. File support closes the last major gap compared to specialized chatbots and should significantly increase the use of Meta AI in the messenger once the feature is officially available. (Image: Shutterstock / BongkarnGraphic)