WhatsApp Working on Scheduled Messages Feature

Source: MacRumors

Tuesday February 24, 2026 1:53 am PST by Tim Hardwick

What the feature does

• Allows users to type a message and choose a specific date and time for it to be sent automatically.
• Expected to work in both individual chats and group chats.
• In a group chat info page, users will be able to view the number of scheduled messages and manage them.

Current status

• The feature is not yet functional in the latest WhatsApp beta on TestFlight.
• WABetaInfo shared an image showing a new Scheduled Messages option in a group chat info page, indicating the UI is already being prepared.

Comparison with other platforms

• Telegram already offers scheduled messages.
• Apple Messages provides a “Send Later” option since iOS 18, accessible via the Messages app.

Existing workarounds

• The only way to schedule a WhatsApp message today is to use a shortcut in Apple’s Shortcuts app, which acts as a manual workaround.

The ability to schedule messages has long been one of the most requested features on WhatsApp, so the upcoming native support should be welcomed by many users.