WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.8.11: what's new?

WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.8.11.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to schedule messages in their chats, and it will be available in a future update!

WhatsApp is working on a feature to schedule messages on Android

In the post about the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.7.10.72 update, we announced a feature to schedule messages in chats. With this functionality, users will be able to decide whether a message should be sent at a specific date and time. Scheduling a message will allow it to be sent without opening the chat when that moment arrives. When users schedule a message, it will remain queued inside the chat until the chosen time, then WhatsApp will send it automatically. Scheduled messages will be shown in a new section within the chat info screen, so users can see how many messages are pending.

This feature is currently under development on the iOS app. At the same time, WhatsApp is finally working to introduce the same functionality on Android to maintain a consistent experience across these two platforms. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.8.11 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is working on a feature that allows users to schedule messages in their chats.

As you can see from the attached image, WhatsApp is exploring the implementation of a feature that will let users schedule a message, planned for release in a future update. A scheduled message allows users to plan a message for a specific moment. Users can create it once and assign a delivery time. It lets users plan communication in advance without needing to be online when it sends. So, you can set the timing once, and the app will handle the delivery for you.

Users will need to enter the text of their scheduled message directly into the chat bar. This means that scheduled messages will be integrated directly into the chat screen. Here, users will be able to decide whether to send the message immediately or schedule it for a later time. This design will keep the scheduling process simple and consistent with the regular messaging experience.

Message scheduling will offer a high level of precision. Users will be able to select not only the day for delivery, but also the exact hour and minute. This level of control will allow messages to be delivered at the most appropriate moment. The system will follow the selected time automatically without requiring further interaction. As a result, WhatsApp will ensure messages are sent exactly as planned and intended.

When a message is successfully scheduled, WhatsApp will show a confirmation toast. This toast provides the main details about the scheduling, including whether it was successful and the exact date and time the message is set to be sent. The message will be added to a queue and it is automatically processed by WhatsApp at the appropriate time. Once a message is scheduled and sent, the recipient will not know it was set for later delivery. This will allow users to schedule their messages without affecting the natural flow of their conversation.

With scheduled messaging, users will have more control over when to send their messages. Currently, users have to remember when to send a specific message. This can be inconvenient, especially when they have to manage many important reminders. Scheduled messaging will finally remove the need to manually track sending times. Users will be able to schedule messages around events, deadlines, or different time zones without worrying about forgetting to send them. The feature will also allow users to better coordinate their group chats, as they can schedule messages so they reach everyone at the most appropriate time. For example, a user could schedule a birthday greeting in a family group to be sent exactly at midnight, or a reminder in a work group about a meeting starting in an hour.

The feature that allows users to schedule messages in their chats is currently under development, and it is planned for release in a future update. At the moment, WhatsApp is refining how the application processes and delivers scheduled messages. Once testing is complete, the feature will be gradually rolled out to users, starting with a limited release to monitor performance and ensure a smooth transition.

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