WhatsApp’s Latest iOS Update Brings Smart Text Copying and Image Text Detection
WhatsApp has just introduced a much-awaited feature for iPhone users that makes chatting even more convenient. With the latest iOS update, users can now copy only the specific parts of a message they want, instead of having to copy the entire message. This new feature finally gives users more control when sharing or saving information from chats.
Along with this, WhatsApp has also added a clever tool that lets users copy text directly from images received in chats. These updates are part of version 25.16.81 and are available for all iPhones running or later.
What’s New?
Let’s take a closer look at the two standout features of this update:
- Selective Text Copying in Messages
- Text Detection from Images
These changes might seem small, but they significantly improve how users interact with messages and media on WhatsApp.
Selective Text Copying: Take Only What You Need
Until now, if you wanted to copy part of a message in WhatsApp, your only option was to copy the whole thing. Then you’d need to paste it somewhere else and delete the parts you didn’t want. This process was tedious—especially if you only needed a date, a name, or a single sentence.
With this new update, that hassle is gone. iPhone users can now press and hold on a message, then drag to highlight just the words or lines they want. Once selected, you tap “Copy” and only that specific portion is saved to your clipboard.
This is especially helpful in situations like:
- Copying an address or phone number from a long message
- Grabbing a quote from someone in a group chat
- Sharing just the important part of a forwarded message
This upgrade brings WhatsApp in line with other iOS apps like Notes or Mail, where selective text copying has always been possible.
How to Use It:
- Make sure your WhatsApp is updated to version 25.16.81.
- Open any chat and find the message you want to copy from.
- Press and hold on the message.
- Highlight the text you want to copy using the drag handles.
- Tap “Copy.”
That’s it! The selected text is now on your clipboard, ready to paste wherever you need it.
Text Detection: Extract Text from Images
Another useful feature added in this update is the ability to copy text straight from images shared in chats. Imagine someone sends you a photo of a flyer, a business card, or a document. Instead of manually typing out what’s written, you can now simply copy the text directly from the image.
This feature takes advantage of iPhone’s built-in text recognition, available from iOS 16 onwards. It can recognize text in most standard images and lets you use that text just like you would with any regular message.
You can:
- Copy a phone number or email address from a photo
- Save notes or instructions sent in image format
- Translate or search for information that appears in an image
How It Works:
- Tap to open the image in your WhatsApp chat.
- WhatsApp will automatically detect text if it’s visible and clear.
- Tap the text in the image or look for a small icon that allows copying.
- Select and copy the text as needed.
Keep in mind that this won’t work with disappearing photos like “view once” images, due to privacy restrictions.
Where These Features Work
Both features are available in all types of chats, whether you’re talking one-on-one, in a group, or browsing content in WhatsApp channels. This means no matter where the message or image is, you’ll have access to the new tools as long as you’re on iOS 16 or newer.
Why This Update Matters
These small changes bring a big improvement to how people use WhatsApp. Text selection may seem basic, but for a platform that handles billions of messages every day, giving users more flexibility in how they manage information is a big win.
This update also aligns with Apple’s emphasis on accessibility and functionality. It makes WhatsApp feel more integrated with the iOS experience—users no longer have to rely on third-party apps or workarounds to manage text within the app.
Is It Available for Android?
As of now, these updates are only available for iPhone users. However, WhatsApp often rolls out features to iOS first, and then brings them to Android later. There’s a good chance Android users will see similar functionality in an upcoming update. Meta, the parent company behind WhatsApp, has been actively working to provide the same features across platforms to keep the user experience consistent.
A Glimpse at WhatsApp’s Future
These new additions show that WhatsApp is listening to user feedback and continuing to polish its app to meet evolving needs. In recent months, the app has introduced several helpful features like message editing, video call improvements, and voice message previews.
The ability to extract specific content—whether from text or images—is just another step in making WhatsApp more than just a messaging app. It’s becoming a true productivity and communication tool.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp’s latest iOS update isn’t flashy, but it brings two powerful tools that users will appreciate every day. Whether you’re someone who needs to copy just a sentence from a message or someone who frequently receives important information in images, these features will make your life easier.
By allowing more precision in message handling and smarter interaction with image content, WhatsApp is making conversations more efficient, especially for professionals, students, and anyone who handles lots of information in their chats.