WhatsApp, one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, is finally catching up to competitors by introducing a long-awaited feature: scheduled messages. For users accustomed to planning ahead in apps like Slack, Telegram, and even Apple’s iMessage, the ability to compose a message and set a specific delivery time has been a notable omission – until now. This update promises to streamline communication, allowing users to send timely messages without needing to be awake or available at the moment of delivery.
Currently, WhatsApp Business already offers message scheduling capabilities, but this functionality hasn’t been widely available to the platform’s billions of individual users. The arrival of scheduled messaging for all users represents a significant step toward feature parity with other leading messaging services. The demand for this feature highlights a shift in how people use messaging apps – moving beyond simple, immediate communication to more deliberate and planned interactions.
The development was first spotted by WABetaInfo, a website dedicated to tracking updates for WhatsApp. According to their reporting, the feature is currently available in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iPhone (version 26.7.10.72). Within a chat’s information section, alongside options for shared files and favorited messages, a new menu now displays “scheduled messages.”
As WABetaInfo explains, scheduled messages allow users to “draft a message and choose a precise date and time for it to be sent automatically.” This can be particularly useful for reminders, birthday wishes, or important updates that users wish to ensure are delivered at the optimal moment. The message remains queued until the scheduled time, ensuring it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle of daily conversations.
Users will also have the ability to delete scheduled messages before they are sent, offering a layer of control and preventing accidental or unwanted deliveries. Once sent, the messages will be visible to all members of the chat, functioning like any other message within the conversation.
The feature is expected to be available not only in group chats but also in individual conversations, expanding its utility across various communication scenarios. While currently in development, WABetaInfo is confident that the update will roll out first to WhatsApp Beta users, followed by a wider public release in a “future update.”
This addition to WhatsApp’s feature set addresses a common request from users and brings the platform closer to offering a comprehensive messaging experience. The ability to schedule messages joins other popular features like disappearing messages and end-to-end encryption, solidifying WhatsApp’s position as a leading communication tool. As messaging apps continue to evolve, features like scheduled messaging are becoming increasingly important for managing personal and professional communication effectively. The integration of this feature into WhatsApp reflects a broader trend in the industry towards providing users with greater control and flexibility over their messaging experience.
The rollout timeline remains uncertain, but the beta testing phase suggests a public release is imminent. Users interested in testing the feature early can enroll in the WhatsApp Beta program through the App Store. For those who prefer to wait for a stable release, it’s likely the scheduled messaging feature will become available to all users in the coming weeks or months.
WhatsApp’s move to incorporate scheduled messaging is a direct response to user demand and a strategic effort to remain competitive in the crowded messaging app landscape. As users increasingly rely on messaging apps for a variety of purposes, from personal communication to business interactions, features that enhance convenience and efficiency are becoming essential. The addition of scheduled messaging is a clear indication that WhatsApp is committed to meeting the evolving needs of its users.
The next step for WhatsApp will be monitoring user feedback and iterating on the feature based on real-world usage. It’s likely that future updates will introduce additional customization options or refinements to the scheduling process. Users can expect further announcements from WhatsApp regarding the official release date and any additional features related to scheduled messaging.
What are your thoughts on the new scheduled messaging feature? Share your comments below and let us know how you plan to use it!
