WhatsApp expanded testing of its scheduled messaging feature to iPhone beta testers via TestFlight, following an initial Android beta rollout. The tool enables users to prepare texts, links, and media for automatic delivery between 10 minutes and two weeks later, even when their devices remain offline.
WhatsApp Brings Scheduled Messages to iOS TestFlight
Apple users participating in the TestFlight program can now evaluate the scheduling tool under version 26.42.10.19 of the WhatsApp beta for iOS, as GSMarena reported. This follows an earlier Android beta rollout on version 2.26.40.7, noted Lowyat. While News24online similarly highlighted that the capability allows iPhone testers running the app through Apple’s TestFlight programme to compose messages and choose automatic delivery times, lifehacker.com noted that users eager to try the Android iteration early can enroll via WhatsApp’s official beta tester page on the Google Play Store.
Activating the tool requires typing a message, then pressing and holding the send button to open a date and time picker. Users tap a green confirmation button displaying the exact delivery time to finalize the schedule, GSMarena detailed.
Rules for Offline Delivery and Group Chats
Scheduled messages work even when the sender’s device is offline, according to Lowyat. Delivery can be set for anywhere from 10 minutes to two weeks in advance. The functionality supports standard text, web links, photos, and videos, though GSMarena notes that users can attach only one photo or video per scheduled message by utilizing the drawing editor’s send button. Meanwhile, TechRepublic reported that the tool allows the preparation of text messages, links, photos, and videos for delivery between 10 minutes and two weeks later to help plan reminders, birthday greetings, and work-related messages.
A scheduled message directed to a group will reach only those individuals who belonged to the group when the message was initially scheduled, Lowyat explained. New members who join after the scheduling phase will not see or receive the post. News24online similarly noted that in group conversations, scheduled messages are intended specifically for members who were part of the group when the message was scheduled.
Meta Has Not Announced Public Release Date for Scheduled Posts
Pending posts remain end-to-end encrypted and appear inside a dedicated section within each chat info screen. Users can review, edit, or delete scheduled items at any point prior to delivery without notifying recipients, GSMarena reported. TechRepublic noted that Meta has not yet announced when the productivity feature will graduate from beta testing to reach the general public on either Android or iOS, while News24online similarly stated that a public release date has not been announced.
Users can evaluate version 26.42.10.19 of the WhatsApp beta for iOS through Apple’s TestFlight program.