WhatsApp has started testing scheduled messages on iOS with selected beta users running version 26.42.10.19 through TestFlight.
The feature arrived on Android beta earlier this month. WhatsApp is now extending the test to some iPhone users. Users can type a message and hold the send button.
This opens a screen for choosing a delivery date and time. Messages can be scheduled from 10 minutes to two weeks in advance.
WhatsApp supports scheduled text, links, photos and videos. Each scheduled media message can contain only one photo or video.
Messages can still go out at the chosen time if the sender’s device is offline. A private confirmation appears in the chat after scheduling. Only the sender can see it.
Read: WhatsApp Web Voice and Video Calling Rolls Out to Users
Users can also view pending messages through the chat information screen. They may delete a scheduled message before delivery.
WhatsApp does not alert the recipient when this happens. The feature works in group chats too. However, only people who were already members when the message was scheduled will receive it.
Read: WhatsApp Introduces New Group Chat Features for Better Organisation
Scheduled messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption. WhatsApp has not announced when the feature will reach all iOS or Android users. Access remains limited to selected beta testers.
