Source: WABetaInfo
The new scheduling feature is designed to make sending messages more convenient. Instead of waiting until a specific time to send a text, users can prepare it in advance and select exactly when it should be delivered.
To schedule a message, users type it in a chat and press and hold the send button. WhatsApp then displays a scheduling screen with date and time selectors. After choosing the preferred delivery time, users can confirm the schedule using the green button.
Scheduled messages can be set for delivery between 10 minutes and two weeks in advance. The feature works in both individual conversations and group chats.
WhatsApp Will Support Text, Photos, Videos and Links
The scheduling feature is not limited to ordinary text messages. Users can also schedule links, photos and videos, making it useful for sharing content at a specific time.
For example, users could prepare birthday greetings ahead of time, send work-related updates during business hours or share links when they are most relevant.
There is one current limitation: users must schedule each photo or video separately rather than sending multiple media attachments in a single scheduled message.
According to WABetaInfo:
Scheduled Messages Can Be Managed Before Delivery
WhatsApp is also adding a dedicated section for scheduled messages within the chat information screen. Group conversations have a similar option in their group information screen.
This section allows users to review scheduled messages and delete them before they are sent. A private confirmation appears in the chat for the person who scheduled the message, but recipients are not notified that a message was scheduled.
Importantly, the feature supports WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption. Reports also indicate that scheduled messages will be delivered even when the sender's iPhone is offline or the app is closed.
Group chats have one additional restriction: a scheduled message will only reach people who were members of the group when it was scheduled. Anyone who joins the group afterward will not receive that message.
When Will WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Launch for Everyone?
For now, the feature is available only to selected iPhone users enrolled in WhatsApp's beta program through TestFlight. Even users with the compatible beta version might not see it immediately because WhatsApp is expanding access gradually.
The company has not announced when scheduled messages will reach all iPhone users or when the feature will become available in the stable Android and iOS apps.
The testing phase will allow WhatsApp to evaluate the feature and address potential issues before a broader release. Users who do not have access yet will need to wait for the rollout to expand.
Why This WhatsApp Update Matters
Scheduled messaging is a familiar feature in several messaging platforms, and its arrival on WhatsApp would remove the need for some third-party workarounds.
The feature could be particularly useful for birthday wishes, reminders, business communications and messages intended for recipients in different time zones. Users could prepare messages at their convenience without needing to be online when they are due to send.
For now, the iPhone rollout remains limited to beta testers. Nevertheless, testing on both Android and iOS suggests WhatsApp is moving closer to introducing scheduled messages to a wider audience.
Final Thoughts
WhatsApp's scheduled messages feature could make everyday communication considerably easier for iPhone users. The ability to schedule texts, photos, videos and links up to two weeks ahead would give users greater control over when their messages are delivered.
With message management tools, end-to-end encryption and support for individual and group chats, the feature addresses a long-standing gap in WhatsApp's functionality.
The main question now is when the company will release it to everyone. Until an official launch date is announced, users will need to wait for further updates from WhatsApp.