WhatsApp is beginning to test a long-requested feature on iPhone, allowing users to schedule messages for later delivery. According to reports from WABetaInfo, the functionality is currently available to select beta testers on the iOS platform. This rollout follows a similar launch on Android beta devices less than two weeks ago.
The ability to schedule messages has been a frequent request from users for years. Despite having more than 3 billion monthly active users worldwide, as noted by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg in April of last year, the platform has lagged behind competitors in offering this specific utility. The new testing phase suggests the company is moving to address this gap.
How to Schedule Messages on iPhone
The feature integrates directly into the chat interface. Users can initiate the process by typing a message in the composer and then pressing and holding the send button. This action opens a dedicated screen with a date and time picker.
Users can scroll through the available options to select when the message should be delivered. A green confirmation button at the bottom of the screen displays the exact delivery time before the user finalizes the schedule. Once confirmed, a notification appears in the chat to confirm the schedule, though this notification is only visible to the person who set it.
WABetaInfo reports that messages can be scheduled for as little as 10 minutes in the future or as far as two weeks ahead. The scheduled items are stored in a dedicated section within the chat info screen for individual conversations or the group info screen for group chats.
Limitations and Group Chat Rules
While the feature supports text, photos, videos, and links, there are current restrictions. Users cannot schedule multiple photos or videos in a single batch. Each media item must be selected and scheduled individually.
Group chats also have specific delivery rules. Scheduled messages are only delivered to users who were already members of the group at the time the message was scheduled. Individuals who join the group after the message is queued will not receive it, even if they join before the scheduled delivery time.
As with many beta features, there is no manual toggle to enable this functionality for general users. The rollout is restricted to a select group of testers, and Meta has not announced a date for a public release. The simultaneous testing on both iOS and Android suggests a wider availability could be approaching.
Source: 9to5Mac
