WhatsApp is testing scheduled messages for chats and groups
Timing your messages just right is about to get a lot easier in your conversations. WhatsApp is working on a scheduled messages feature for iPhone that will let you compose a message and deliver it later, at a date and time of your choice. The feature will work in both chats and groups, and it comes with a dedicated section to manage and delete scheduled messages before they are sent.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Scheduled messages |
| Status: | Under development |
| Availability info: | This feature is currently in development, and it is not available for beta testing. In the meantime, check out this article for a sneak peek. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is rolling out Status Archive to preserve your updates! |
WhatsApp will introduce message scheduling tools for more flexible chat control
In our coverage of the WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.7.10.72 update, we reported that WhatsApp was developing a scheduled messages feature. That early version focused on individual chats. This functionality will let users pick a specific date and time to deliver a message. To schedule a message, users will have to tap and hold the send button. WhatsApp was also planning a dedicated section to view and delete scheduled messages before they go out.
WhatsApp advances development of scheduled messaging for iPhone
At the moment, this feature is still under development. WhatsApp continues to refine the user experience and improve its reliability before making it available to beta testers. But now, there are indications that WhatsApp is making important improvements to the feature. That's what we discovered with the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.22.10.76 update, which is available on TestFlight. Specifically, WhatsApp is working on the feature that lets users decide when to send a message, right from within their chats and groups.
How will scheduled messages work and why is it useful on WhatsApp?
Scheduled messages allow users to compose a message in advance and set a specific date and time for its delivery. Scheduling a message can be useful for reminders, birthday greetings, or any communication that requires precise timing. It also helps users manage their communication when they need to send a message to people in different time zones. Note that WhatsApp has previously released a feature to schedule calls through the events option. However, WhatsApp has never introduced a dedicated tool to schedule messages. As a result, users had to rely on the Shortcuts app to manage timed messaging.
WhatsApp to integrate scheduled messages into chats with a dedicated management section
In the latest update, WhatsApp is working on integrating scheduled messages into conversations. Once the user chooses the date for scheduling the message, WhatsApp will display it in a dedicated section. Here, it will be possible to see the full list of scheduled messages before they are sent. In this section, users will also be able to delete a scheduled message before delivery. Additionally, deleting a scheduled message before delivery will not notify the recipient. WhatsApp will also show the scheduled message in the chat list, making it easier for users to see that they scheduled a message in that conversation.
WhatsApp to extend scheduled messaging to group chats while preserving original context
The feature will also be compatible with groups. This means that users will be able to schedule messages within group chats as well. However, WhatsApp will deliver scheduled messages only to the members who are part of the group at the time of scheduling. If a new participant joins the group after a message has been scheduled, they will not receive it. The message is intended for the original group context at the moment it was scheduled. As a result, the context remains consistent and there will be no surprises for users who join later.
WhatsApp will offer flexible time window for scheduling messages
When scheduling a message, it will be possible to choose a time window starting from 10 minutes after the current moment. This ensures that messages are not sent immediately, giving users a moment if they need to make quick adjustments. On the other end of the range, scheduling will be available up to a maximum of two weeks in advance. This provides flexibility and offers better control over the timing of communications.
WhatsApp is developing scheduled messages for a future iOS update
The feature that lets users schedule their messages is currently under development. The functionality is not available to users yet, and it is not enabled for beta testers at this stage. WhatsApp has not announced an official timeline for its release. However, scheduled messages will be available to beta testers in a future update before rolling out in the stable version.
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