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This new feature will automatically transcribe voice messages in English so you can read them from the chat itself.
WhatsApp regularly tests new features in its beta program and iPhone users can try these out by downloading the TestFlight program from the App Store. This particular feature is available in the iOS 23.3.0.73 WhatsApp beta update but not every beta tester might have access to it right now. WABetaInfo who spotted the feature says that the feature will roll out to more testers in the coming weeks.
As the name suggests, this feature essentially transcribes the voice message and the text is displayed in the voice message box itself. You also have the option to change the English language according to your preference. So if you prefer English (India) you can switch to it or to the UK, US or Canada. The transcriptions are also available to search for later in WhatsApp.
WABetaInfo adds that the voice message transcriptions are end-to-end encrypted and take place locally on the device using language packs. It takes advantage of the latest APIs on iOS 16 that lets WhatsApp process the voice messages on the iPhone itself. This is also why the beta feature will be available only on the latest versions of iOS 16.
If you do have the feature then you should start seeing it since it is enabled by default. But you can always turn it off by going to Settings > Chats > Voice Message Transcripts. Do note that the available language is only English so voice messages in other languages will not be transcribed.