WhatsApp introduced a highly anticipated iOS update (version 25.16.81) that enables iPhone users to copy specific portions of text within messages and extract text from images, enhancing user precision and functionality. The WhatsApp iOS update 2025 addresses long-standing user demands for more flexible messaging tools.
WhatsApp’s selective text copying feature allows users to highlight and copy specific words or phrases by pressing and holding a message, making it a significant improvement over the previous method of copying full messages.
According to MacRumors, it streamlines referencing details like dates or quotes in individual chats, groups, and channels. The image text detection tool, supported on iOS 16 and later, uses native iOS functionality to copy text from images, per 9to5Mac.
📝 WhatsApp for iOS 25.16.81: what's new?
WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to select and copy specific parts of a chat message, and it's available to some users!https://t.co/dVRJH8SXBD pic.twitter.com/W9fPkbTzjW
— WABetaInfo (@WABetaInfo) June 1, 2025How to Access and Use
iPhone users must update WhatsApp via the App Store to use these features. After updating, users can select text within messages or extract text from images, enhancing efficiency, per iMore. The update, also available in beta (version 25.17.10.75) on TestFlight, reflects WhatsApp’s trend of prioritising iOS for new features like pinch-to-zoom and call participant additions.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, is working to align features across iOS and Android to provide a consistent user experience. Updates for Android are expected soon. Meta’s enhancements for WhatsApp aim to increase user engagement.
The WhatsApp iOS update 2025 transforms messaging with iPhone messaging features, offering precision and convenience. As selective text copy, WhatsApp, and image text detection set a new standard, the update strengthens WhatsApp’s position in the competitive messaging landscape, drawing global attention to its user-centric innovation.
