WhatsApp is developing native support for third-party AI agents, allowing users to connect external services directly within the app. Once a bot is set up, WhatsApp generates an API key that users can paste into a dedicated field to start chatting. The feature currently supports up to five agents per account, each customizable with a name and profile photo.

However, chats with these agents are not end-to-end encrypted, and the agents can only read messages shared within the specific chat. This means they cannot access other conversations, contacts, or media. Initially, the functionality is limited to individual chats, preventing users from adding agents to group chats or communities.

Additionally, if the agent is an AI, WhatsApp notes that responses may be inaccurate, advising users to double-check information. Currently, select Android users have access to the new feature, with a broader rollout expected soon. The implementation mirrors trends seen on other platforms, offering a streamlined way to integrate AI capabilities directly into WhatsApp conversations.