WhatsApp Developing Message Scheduling Feature for iOS and Likely Android

WhatsApp appears to be developing a long-requested feature that would allow users to schedule messages for automated delivery in both individual and group chats. Discovered in the iOS beta version 26.7.10.72 by reliable WhatsApp watchdog WABetaInfo, this functionality would enable users to compose messages and specify exact delivery times directly within chats.

The implementation, tentatively called "Scheduled Messages," follows a straightforward workflow: Users compose a message as usual, then access a scheduling interface to set a specific date and time for automated delivery. All pending scheduled messages appear in a dedicated "Scheduled Messages" section accessible via the chat info screen, where users can review or delete messages before their delivery time arrives.

While the current implementation was observed in group chats, there's no technical indication the feature would be limited to groups. The architecture suggests seamless functionality across both individual and group conversations—a critical distinction given WhatsApp's role in both personal and professional communication globally.

Practical Applications

Message scheduling addresses several real-world communication needs:

• Time-sensitive reminders: Send meeting alerts exactly when participants need them
• Global coordination: Schedule birthday greetings across time zones without midnight disruptions
• Business workflows: Automate shift change notifications or store opening alerts
• Personal convenience: Queue messages during offline periods for automatic delivery when connectivity resumes

This functionality brings WhatsApp closer to parity with competitors like Telegram, which has offered message scheduling since 2019. However, WhatsApp's implementation appears more deeply integrated with its chat interface rather than requiring separate automation tools.

Technical Implementation

Based on the beta implementation, scheduled messages appear to operate entirely client-side. This approach preserves WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption since messages remain on-device until delivery time. The local storage mechanism avoids cloud synchronization complexities while maintaining security—a necessary design choice given WhatsApp's privacy-first architecture documented in their Security Whitepaper.

Availability Uncertainty

Though currently in active iOS development, WhatsApp hasn't confirmed a public release timeline. The feature remains inaccessible even to beta testers, indicating early-stage development. Historically, WhatsApp has abandoned nearly 30% of features discovered in beta, though scheduling functionality aligns with persistent user requests across WhatsApp's feedback channels.

If released, the feature would likely follow WhatsApp's standard cross-platform deployment pattern—iOS first, followed by Android and web/desktop clients within weeks. Given Meta's regulatory commitments in Europe mandating third-party interoperability, scheduled messages could eventually extend to cross-platform chats.

For now, users can monitor official channels for updates, as this development signals WhatsApp's continued evolution beyond real-time messaging toward more flexible communication tools.