WhatsApp is one of the most feature-rich messaging platforms, yet it never allowed all users to schedule messages for delivery at a later date. That may change soon.
According to WABetaInfo, a recent TestFlight beta version of WhatsApp for iOS features an option called Scheduled Messages. So yet, the feature is not operational, even for testers. However, when it becomes live, it will supposedly allow users to enter a message in a conversation and schedule it to be sent at a later date and time. The message will then be queued until the set time, and it can be easily modified or removed if necessary.
WABetaInfo’s image shows the group or direct message chat option on the Chat Info screen. It displays Media, Links, and Docs, followed by a section for Starred messages and Scheduled Messages. In the example, there are two queues, as indicated by the number two on the right side.
Some people may want to schedule communications to include reminders or vital information that the recipient can view later. For example, if you want to remind someone about an upcoming event, include a scheduled message when you initially invite them to avoid forgetting.
Third-party solutions, like as Apple’s Shortcuts automations, enable scheduled messaging on services like WhatsApp, but the brand has never included a similar function in its app. This is the first time Meta has demonstrated the feature. You may also schedule communications using Business Broadcasts, but that is a subscription product, unlike this new option.
It’s unclear whether message scheduling will ever make it into WhatsApp’s final version; betas sometimes include experimental features that never go live. Users will have to wait and see if this makes it into the final software.