WhatsApp has rolled out a new feature in its latest iOS update that allows iPhone users to copy specific portions of text within messages, enhancing precision and user control.
The update, available in version 25.16.81, enables users to highlight and copy select words or phrases rather than the entire message, a function long requested by users.
Previously, WhatsApp only allowed full-message copying, which often meant manually editing text after pasting.
To use the feature, users must update WhatsApp via the App Store. Once updated, they can press and hold any message, highlight the desired text, and tap “Copy” to save only that portion.
The feature works across individual chats, group conversations, and channels.
The move streamlines referencing specific information—such as dates, names or quotes—without the need to extract it from longer messages manually.
In addition to partial text selection, the update introduces a ‘text detection’ tool. This feature allows users to copy text directly from images received in WhatsApp chats.
It’s supported on iPhones running iOS 16 or later and uses native iOS functionality to identify and extract visible text from images.
WhatsApp has historically offered iOS users early access to certain features, such as pinch-to-zoom during video calls and the ability to add a participant to an ongoing call directly from a chat window.
Its official beta channel also released an update on iOS, with version 25.17.10.75 now available on TestFlight.
The absence of selective text copying had been a notable gap for iPhone users, now resolved with this update.
While this release is currently limited to iOS, similar features may soon be introduced for Android users.
Meta, WhatsApp’s parent company, is reportedly working toward harmonising the feature set across platforms to ensure a consistent messaging experience.
