WhatsApp to Get Scheduled Messages: New Feature in Beta Version
- WhatsApp is adding a long-requested feature: scheduled messaging.
- The development was first spotted by WABetaInfo within iOS beta version 26.7.10.72.
- According to WABetaInfo, a scheduled message allows users to “draft a message and choose a precise date and time for its automatic sending.” This functionality is designed to...
WhatsApp is adding a long-requested feature: scheduled messaging. The update, currently in beta testing for iOS, will allow users to compose messages and set a specific date and time for their automatic delivery. While the functionality has been available for WhatsApp Business users, this marks a significant step towards parity for the standard messaging app, bringing it in line with competitors like Telegram and iMessage.
The development was first spotted by WABetaInfo within iOS beta version 26.7.10.72. The feature appears as a new option within the chat information screen, alongside existing options for shared media and starred messages. Users will be able to access a “Scheduled Messages” menu to manage pending messages.
According to WABetaInfo, a scheduled message allows users to “draft a message and choose a precise date and time for its automatic sending.” This functionality is designed to simplify reminders, birthday wishes, or important updates that users might otherwise forget to send. The message will remain queued until the designated time, at which point it will be delivered as a standard message.
The implementation allows users to long-press the send button to reveal the scheduling option, selecting a specific date and time for delivery. Once scheduled, the message disappears from the text input field, indicating it’s stored for automatic sending. Crucially, users will retain the ability to delete scheduled messages before they are sent, providing a safeguard against errors or changes of plan.
The feature is expected to function in both individual chats and group conversations, offering flexibility for coordinating plans with family, friends, or colleagues. This addresses a common user request and closes a feature gap with other popular messaging platforms.
While the scheduled messaging feature is currently limited to beta testers, WhatsApp is aiming for a wider rollout in a future update. WABetaInfo reports that the feature will first be available to all WhatsApp Beta users before being released to the general public. This phased approach allows for initial feedback and bug reporting, ensuring a smoother experience for all users.
The addition of scheduled messages represents a continued effort by WhatsApp to enhance its feature set and remain competitive in the messaging landscape. For years, users have relied on workarounds, such as using the iOS Shortcuts app or third-party applications, to achieve similar functionality. A native implementation streamlines the process and offers a more integrated experience.
The timing of this update is notable. , 9to5Mac reported on the development, highlighting the long wait for this feature. The article noted that the feature is “currently in development and not yet available for beta testing,” confirming the early stage of the rollout. Similarly, a report from news.abplive.com, updated on , details the discovery of the feature in iOS beta version 26.7.10.72.
It remains unclear whether WhatsApp will incorporate advanced scheduling options, such as the “Repeat” function found in Telegram, which allows for recurring messages. However, the core functionality of scheduling a single message at a specific time addresses a fundamental user need and represents a significant improvement to the platform’s usability.
The introduction of scheduled messages is a welcome addition for WhatsApp users, offering a convenient way to manage communication and stay organized. As the feature moves from beta testing to general release, it’s likely to become a widely used tool for coordinating events, sending reminders, and simply staying connected with friends and family.