WhatsApp is developing a scheduled messages feature that will let users write a message and send it later at a selected date and time. Such features have been available on other apps, including Telegram, for years now.
The feature is still under development and is not available to beta testers yet, but we know that WhatsApp is working on it thanks to WABetaInfo’s report.
Earlier reports based on WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.7.10.72 showed the feature for individual chats, while the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.22.10.76 on TestFlight shows that WhatsApp is also working on support for chats and groups.
How It Will Work
The feature will allow users to compose a message in advance and choose when it should be delivered.
To schedule a message, users will need to tap and hold the send button. WhatsApp will then let them select a date and time for delivery.
The feature can be useful for reminders, birthday wishes, timed updates, and messages meant for people in different time zones.
WhatsApp already allows users to schedule calls through the Events option, but it has not offered a dedicated message scheduling tool before. Because of this, users have had to rely on the Shortcuts app for timed messaging.
Scheduled Messages Section
WhatsApp is also working on a dedicated section for scheduled messages.
After a user schedules a message, it will appear in this section before delivery. Users will be able to view the full list of scheduled messages and delete any message before it is sent.
Deleting a scheduled message before delivery will not notify the recipient.
WhatsApp will also show scheduled messages in the chat list, making it easier to see which conversation has a message waiting to be sent.
Group Chat Support
The feature will also work in group chats.
However, WhatsApp will only deliver a scheduled group message to members who were part of the group when the message was scheduled.
If someone joins the group after the message has already been scheduled, they will not receive it. This keeps the message tied to the original group context at the time it was created.
Time Limit
WhatsApp will allow users to schedule messages starting from at least 10 minutes after the current time.
This prevents messages from being sent immediately and gives users time to make quick changes if needed.
The maximum scheduling window will be two weeks in advance.
Availability
Scheduled messages are still in development, so there is no clear launch date as of yet.
The feature is not available to regular users or beta testers at this stage. WhatsApp has not announced an official release date.
Once development is complete, scheduled messages are expected to reach beta testers first before rolling out to the stable version.
