Illustration of WhatsApp’s in-development Android editor tool expanding a photo into a 9:16 vertical format.
WhatsApp is testing a Meta AI photo expansion tool on Android that turns square or landscape images into 9:16 vertical posts inside the app, though the feature is still in beta and has no public launch date. The tool sits in WhatsApp’s drawing editor and expands photos to 9:16 without cropping or stretching the original image. For teams that build Status updates in WhatsApp, the payoff is faster vertical post creation inside the app without switching to a separate editor.
Inside WhatsApp beta 2.26.33.2: the 9:16 photo expander
The feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.33.2, and no public rollout is confirmed. The available coverage does not confirm any iOS version, release window, or public rollout plan.
Within that Android beta, WhatsApp is building the feature into its existing drawing editor rather than treating it as a separate upload flow. The tool uses Meta AI to expand a photo to a 9:16 aspect ratio, which is the vertical format commonly used for full-screen posts. Instead of a basic resize that cuts off the sides or distorts the picture, the editor is meant to extend the image outward and fill in the missing space around it.
How the editor handles square and landscape photos
The main use case is straightforward: a photo that starts as a square or a landscape image can be turned into a vertical composition without losing the original subject. The tool generates new content around the edges of the image so the final result fits a taller frame. That gives users a way to keep more of the original photo intact while still matching WhatsApp’s vertical layout.
WhatsApp is also testing a retry option if the first AI-generated result is not usable. That is a small but important detail, because AI expansion is not always predictable on the first pass. For operators sharing promos, store updates, menus, event shots, or quick announcements through WhatsApp Status, a built-in retry button could save time compared with exporting the image to another app and starting over there.
Status first, chats later is still unresolved
Status updates look like the most likely first destination for the feature. Status is the likely first use case, while chats remain unconfirmed.
There is still no confirmed release date, and availability beyond the Android beta is unclear. For WhatsApp operators who rely on Status, the immediate value is simpler: if this ships, it would make it faster to turn ordinary square or landscape photos into vertical-ready posts without forcing a crop or leaving WhatsApp.
Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
About the author
Samarth Agrawal is an AI and technology professional who writes about WhatsApp, automation, and emerging AI trends. He focuses on simplifying complex tech updates into practical insights for businesses, creators, and everyday users
