WhatsApp Beta Reveals Highly Requested “Schedule Message” Feature
TL;DR: WhatsApp is developing a native feature that allows users to schedule messages for a specific date and time. Discovered in a recent iOS beta update, the free feature will work in both individual and group chats, allowing users to queue texts and manage or delete them before they are sent.
WhatsApp users will soon be able to write messages now and send them later, as the platform is reportedly developing a native scheduling feature for both individual and group chats.
According to WABetaInfo, a reliable source for WhatsApp updates, traces of the highly anticipated feature were discovered in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS (version 26.7.10.72) available through the TestFlight program.
While currently under development and not yet available for public beta testing, the leak provides a clear look at how the scheduling system will operate.
How It Works
The new functionality will allow users to type a message and select a specific date and time for automatic delivery. Once scheduled, the message remains queued on the device and is sent automatically when the selected time arrives, requiring no further action from the user.
This feature is expected to be a major quality-of-life improvement for users wanting to send birthday greetings right at midnight, set up work-related reminders, or communicate across different time zones without waking the recipient.
To help manage these queued texts, WhatsApp will introduce a dedicated section within the chat info screen. Here, users can view all pending messages for that specific conversation. Importantly, users retain full control and can delete any scheduled message before it is sent. If a queued message is deleted, the recipient receives no notification or indication that a message was ever drafted.
Replacing Clunky Workarounds
Until now, the ability to schedule messages on WhatsApp has been heavily restricted. Businesses could schedule marketing texts using the paid “Business Broadcasts” tool, while regular iOS users had to rely on creating complex automations through Apple’s native Shortcuts app.
By building the feature directly into the app, WhatsApp is democratising the tool, allowing all users to set up automatic messages for free. WABetaInfo notes that the feature is expected to work in both one-on-one personal chats and group chats, though there is no word yet on whether WhatsApp Channels will receive similar support.
The feature is still in the active development phase. Once internal testing is complete, it will be rolled out to select beta testers before eventually making its way to the stable version of the app.
