WhatsApp tests third-party AI agents and raises Android requirements

WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to connect up to five third-party AI agents to their accounts. Discovered in the Android beta, the system enables users to interact with external AI bots through dedicated one-on-one chats. To set this up, users generate an API key within WhatsApp and paste it into the hosting platform of the chosen AI agent. Each agent can be customized with a unique name and profile photo.

Privacy and security measures include limiting the agent's access strictly to its own chat thread; agents cannot access other conversations, contacts, or media files. However, unlike standard personal messages, these AI-driven chats do not feature end-to-end encryption because they pass through Meta services to reach the developer. WhatsApp advises users that AI responses may be inaccurate.

Separately, WhatsApp is increasing its minimum system requirements for Android. As of September 8, 2026, the app requires Android 6 (Marshmallow) or newer. This change will end support for millions of devices running Android 5 (Lollipop), such as the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Google Nexus 4, which will no longer receive security patches or updates.