WhatsApp is developing a new Scheduled Messages feature that will allow users to write messages ahead of time and have them sent automatically at a later date and time. This was recently spotted in the latest iOS beta (version 26.7.10.72) distributed via Apple’s TestFlight program, hinting that the feature is under active development and likely to roll out to users in the future.
🕒 What “Scheduled Messages” Actually Means
The Scheduled Messages feature will let users:
- ✍️ Compose a message now and set a specific date and time for it to be delivered automatically.
- 📅 Have these messages remain queued until the scheduled moment, without needing manual intervention.
- 🗂️ See or manage pending messages from a dedicated section inside each chat’s info screen.
- 🗑️ Edit or delete scheduled messages before they are sent — and if removed, the recipient won’t be notified, since the message is cancelled before delivery.
This makes messaging more flexible and reliable, especially for important communications that need perfect timing.
🎯 Why This Feature Matters
WhatsApp’s scheduled messaging tackles a long‑standing user need. Currently, users who want to send messages at a later time must rely on third‑party tools or built‑in shortcuts (like Apple’s Shortcuts on iPhone) — both of which are workarounds that don’t offer full integration or convenience.
With a native option:
- Users can plan ahead without leaving the app.
- There’s no need for external tools with elevated permissions or automation hacks.
- Scheduling becomes a standard part of the chat experience.
Essentially, whatsapp is giving users more control over when their messages are delivered, boosting convenience for birthdays, reminders, travel plans, work alerts, and more.
📩 How It Could Work in Practice
While whatsapp hasn’t officially shown the live interface yet, reports indicate that:
You’ll select a message and choose “Schedule” from the message options.
A date & time picker will let you choose when you want it sent.
The message will stay in a pending section inside chat info until delivery.
Before sending, you can edit or delete it at any time.
🤝 Supported Chat Types
The feature is expected to work for:
- 🧑🤝🧑 Individual one‑to‑one chats
- 👥 Group chats
This means you could schedule:
- birthday greetings to a friend,
- reminders in a family group,
- or an announcement to a work chat — all automatically.
⏳ Availability & Status
So far, Scheduled Messages is still under development and not yet available in public releases of WhatsApp. It’s currently visible only in beta builds, and whatsapp has not confirmed a rollout timeline or launch date for the general public.
The rollout is likely to occur in stages — first appearing in beta, then in a stable version once testing is complete. It’s also currently spotted first on iOS beta, but may come to Android later as well.
📈 How It Compares to Current Workarounds
Right now:
- iPhone users can try scheduling through Apple Shortcuts, which isn’t built into the app itself.
- Some third‑party services and browser extensions let you schedule messages from outside whatsapp, but these often involve extra steps and privacy trade‑offs.
The new native scheduling tool aims to replace these workarounds with a secure, easy‑to‑use, and official solution.
🧠 Why It’s Important for Everyday Users
The Scheduled Messages feature isn’t just a nice‑to‑have — many users frequently forget to send important messages on time. Whether it’s birthday wishes, meeting reminders, or work notifications, having this built into whatsapp ensures:
- 🔔 Messages go out exactly when intended
- 📱 You don’t need to stay awake or manually send them
- 📩 Communicating across time zones becomes easier
In short, it enhances the utility of whatsapp and saves users from missing key moments.
📌 Summary
WhatsApp’s upcoming Scheduled Messages feature will let users:
- plan and automate message delivery
- manage pending messages with a dedicated interface
- edit or delete scheduled sends before they’re delivered
The tool is currently in beta testing and undergoing development, with broader release expected once final testing is complete. This marks one of the most useful message upgrades in WhatsApp’s recent roadmap — giving users more flexibility and control over their communication timing.
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