Most popular messaging apps already let you schedule a text for later, whether it’s a birthday wish timed for midnight or a reminder set to land at the start of a workday. Until now, that convenience has been missing from WhatsApp. However, a new report suggests that the Meta-owned platform is finally laying the groundwork for a native message scheduling feature that could roll out in a future update.
WABetaInfo has spotted evidence of the in-development message scheduling feature in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS. While the functionality is not yet live, the outlet reveals that the feature will allow users to compose a message, select a specific date and time, and have it sent automatically without further action.
As seen in the shared screenshot, scheduled messages will appear in a dedicated “Scheduled Messages” section, where users will be able to manage or delete them before they’re sent. The feature is expected to work in both individual and group chats, though it’s currently unclear whether WhatsApp will extend it to channels as well.
A long-awaited upgrade that could streamline everyday messaging
Once it goes live, message scheduling could significantly improve how users handle personal and professional conversations on the platform. From planning announcements in community groups to setting reminders for family or colleagues, the addition would remove the need for workarounds like Apple’s Shortcuts app that many users currently rely on. It would also bring WhatsApp more in line with competing messaging services that have offered similar functionality for some time.
For now, there’s no official timeline for when the feature might roll out to users. Message scheduling will likely debut in a future beta release before making its way to the stable channel.