WhatsApp tests message scheduling feature for iPhone users

Meta is expanding its testing of a highly anticipated message scheduling feature to WhatsApp users on iOS. Currently available to a select group of beta testers via TestFlight, the functionality allows users to compose messages and select a specific date and time for delivery.

To use the feature, users must long-press the send button within a chat. This opens a scheduling interface where messages can be set to go out anywhere from ten minutes to two weeks in advance. The service supports text, links, photos, and videos, though there is currently a limitation of one media file per scheduled message.

A key technical advantage is that WhatsApp handles the delivery through its own infrastructure, meaning messages will be sent even if the sender's device is offline or the app is closed. Scheduled messages are managed in a dedicated section within the chat information menu, where they can be reviewed or deleted. In group chats, scheduled messages are only delivered to members who were present in the group at the time the message was scheduled.