WhatsApp tests AI photo expansion tool for iPhone users

Have you ever taken a photo. Then later realized the frame was too tight and you missed part of the background? Fixing those kinds of pictures usually means opening another app that edits photos. WhatsApp might soon make that extra step not needed anymore. A new feature powered by intelligence can expand images right inside the messaging app.

The company is working on an AI-based photo expansion tool that uses Meta AI to add details beyond the original boundaries of a photograph. This AI-based photo expansion tool will let users change the size of their pictures before sharing them in chats, groups or WhatsApp Status updates.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature has started reaching a limited number of iPhone users. It uses AI to examine the original photograph and generate additional details around its edges, making the expanded areas appear like a natural extension of the existing image.

How will WhatsApp's AI image expansion tool work?

The feature is expected to be integrated into WhatsApp's existing drawing and photo-editing interface. When users select an image to share in a conversation, they can access the expansion option along with the other editing tools and filters.

After you choose the feature Meta AI will analyse the photograph. Will need only a few seconds to make a larger version. Meta AI will not simply stretch the picture; instead, Meta AI will add visual parts around the original image to fill the new space.

As per the report the tool will support a 9:16 aspect ratio. This format is especially useful for WhatsApp Status updates. These updates are made to take up the smartphone screen. People will be able to turn landscape pictures into vertical images. They will not have any spaces, around them.

Another useful aspect is that users will have the final say before sharing the edited picture. WhatsApp will allow them to preview the AI-generated result within the drawing editor. If the expanded image does not look right, they can use the undo option to return to the original photograph and try again. The app will not automatically share the modified image.

When will the feature be available?

According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is gradually making the feature available to selected beta testers on iOS. It is reportedly included in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.44.10.16, distributed through Apple's TestFlight programme. Some users of the regular App Store version have also reportedly gained access.

However, the feature has not reached all iPhone users yet. WhatsApp has not confirmed when it plans to make the tool widely available, although a gradual expansion of access is expected over the coming weeks.

The feature is also being tested beyond Apple's ecosystem. WhatsApp has reportedly started introducing the AI-powered image expansion tool to selected Android beta testers through version 2.26.44.8.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kahekashan

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Kahekashan is a passionate technophile with a keen eye for cutting-edge gadgets, emerging technologies, and everything in the digital realm. Raised in a Defence family with strong values and a background in literature, she has consistently pursued excellence in every endeavour. Her last full-time assignment involved content writing with the Indian School of Business.

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