WhatsApp is reportedly working on a Scheduled Messages feature that would let users write messages in advance and have them delivered automatically at a set date and time. Whether it’s a birthday greeting, an important reminder, or a time-sensitive update, the feature aims to make sure the message reaches the recipient at exactly the right moment. Users will also have the flexibility to edit or delete a scheduled message before it goes out.
The scheduling tool was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.7.10.72 update, which is available on Apple’s TestFlight app, according to WABetaInfo. This indicates that iPhone users may soon see the feature in public beta, offering a wider rollout once testing is complete.
How WhatsApp Scheduled Messages work
The report suggests that once you schedule a message, it will remain queued until the selected date and time arrives. Users will see scheduled messages in a dedicated section of the chat info screen, so users will also be able to see how many messages they have scheduled, along with options to manage them at any time.
Once a message is scheduled, users will be able to edit or delete it at any time before it is sent. If deleted, the cancellation happens silently, so recipients will not receive any notification about it.
The upcoming feature is expected to work in both individual and group chats. This feature will allow users to plan birthday wishes, work notifications, reminders, or other time-sensitive messages ahead of time.
As of now, iPhone users who want to schedule WhatsApp messages must rely on workarounds such as Apple’s Shortcuts app. On Android, third-party automation apps offer similar capabilities, but these often raise privacy and safety concerns because they require elevated permissions or unofficial integrations. An inbuilt scheduling option on WhatsApp may eliminate these problems and provide a more secure and convenient experience for all users.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has not released an official timeline for when this feature will reach the public.
WhatsApp also recently announced a new feature called “Group Chat History,” which allows admins and members to share up to 100 recent messages with newly joined group members. The feature aims to provide new group members with context about the ongoing conversation. The feature is rolling out globally and will soon be available to both Android and iOS users. WhatsApp is encouraging users to update their app to the latest version to access it.
