WhatsApp Tests Meta AI Image Expansion to 16:9 in Android and iOS Betas

WhatsApp is testing an AI image expansion tool that turns photos with an aspect ratio other than 16:9 into 16:9 with a single tap, in Android beta 2.26.44.8 and iOS beta 26.44.10.16 for select users. Digit reported on November 5, 2026 that the feature is expected to reach more users in the coming weeks.

How the Expand Tool Works in WhatsApp

The Expand tool sits in the drawing editor and uses Meta AI to analyse the content and edges of a photo, generating a taller version instead of stretching it. It joins background removal, description-based editing and new image generation in the same editor. Testers see it next to the Background and Describe icons under the Edit tab, beside Styles and Filters.

The option appears only when an image with an aspect ratio other than 16:9 is uploaded through the media picker and edited. Digit reported that uploading a portrait image may not trigger the feature. Beta users must update from the Google Play Store to check availability on their accounts.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature is expanding to both the status and chats media picker, and users may be able to accept the generated result or request another version. Digit noted the expansion may be processed in the cloud.

WhatsApp's Scale Behind the Beta Test

WhatsApp is a Meta-owned messaging service with more than 3 billion users in over 180 countries, according to akta.pro company records. The same records put India, its largest market, at 500+ million users, with some sources citing up to 850 million. The records list Kunal Shah as Global Head of WhatsApp and Matt Idema as Chief Operating Officer.

Earlier WhatsApp Feature Rollouts

WhatsApp rolled out Smart Text Actions, which detects phone numbers, dates, emails and addresses in chats and offers shortcuts, Gadgets 360 reported in November 2026. T3n reported the same month that the data is processed on-device and does not affect end-to-end encryption.

GSMArena.com reported in November 2026 that WhatsApp started suggesting users' latest photos and videos in chats, opening the drawing editor for review before sending, with a gradual rollout and no full availability date. LA NACION reported in November 2026 that WhatsApp rolled out scheduled message delivery in beta versions on Android and iOS, without official confirmation from Meta.