WhatsApp Is Finally Preparing Scheduled Messages – The Feature Users Have Waited For Is Here in Beta

You know that sinking feeling when you remember an important message too late. A birthday wish at 2 a.m., a reminder for a meeting you almost forgot, or a thoughtful note that slips your mind entirely. For years, WhatsApp users have asked for a simple way to schedule messages.

Now, that request is finally turning into reality. Meta is actively developing the long-awaited scheduled messages feature, and early signs point to a smooth, built-in solution that puts control back in your hands.

The news broke this week from reliable beta trackers and quickly spread across major tech outlets. WhatsApp developers added references to “Scheduled Messages” inside the iOS version 26.7.10.72 beta, available on TestFlight. While the function remains inactive for now, the groundwork is clearly laid. Users will soon type a message, select a precise date and time, and watch it deliver automatically when the moment arrives. No more setting alarms or relying on external tools.

WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Feature: What the Beta Reveals

Reliable sources confirm the discovery. WABetaInfo first spotted the new menu item in the group chat info screen, positioned right below “Media, links and docs” and “Starred.” A small number appears next to it, showing how many messages sit ready in the queue. Tap that section, and you gain full visibility plus easy management options.

MacRumors reported the same details on February 24, 2026, noting the feature works for both individual chats and groups. PCMag highlighted that messages stay queued until the chosen time, then send without any extra action from you. You can edit or delete them right up until delivery.

9to5Mac added that the option sits prominently in the Group Info interface, making access intuitive. PhoneArena emphasized its practical value for real-life situations such as timed announcements or personal reminders. Stuff.tv echoed the excitement, calling it a game-changer after years of waiting.

Every report stresses one crucial point: the feature remains under active development. It has not yet reached beta testers for hands-on trials, and no official rollout date exists. Still, the consistent presence across multiple credible outlets leaves little doubt that Meta intends to deliver it soon.

How Scheduled Messages Will Work in WhatsApp

The process sounds refreshingly straightforward. You open any chat, type your message as usual, then choose the send-later option. Pick the exact date and time. The app queues it securely. When the clock strikes, the message travels automatically to the recipient or group.

Before that moment, you stay in full command. Head to the chat info page, tap the Scheduled Messages section, review everything queued, and make changes. Delete a message, and it vanishes quietly—no notification ever reaches the other side because delivery never happened. Sources confirm this silent removal keeps everything private and stress-free.

The feature extends to one-on-one conversations and group chats alike. Imagine scheduling a heartfelt birthday greeting for your best friend across time zones or setting a group announcement for a team update that lands perfectly at 9 a.m. Monday. Everything stays end-to-end encrypted, just like every other WhatsApp message.

Why This Feature Matters: Real Relief for Real Lives

Think about the emotional weight this lifts. Parents juggling school runs and work deadlines can schedule good-night messages that arrive exactly when kids need them. Professionals preparing for international calls can line up follow-ups without staying awake. Friends and family members who travel or work odd shifts finally send wishes at the perfect local time, not their own.

WABetaInfo explains it best: scheduling helps with reminders, greetings, or important updates you refuse to forget. The message stays queued until ready, then delivers itself. No disruption to your current workflow. You prepare ahead, then move on with confidence.

Unlike paid business broadcast tools, this comes free for every user. That detail matters to the billions who rely on WhatsApp daily for both personal and light professional communication. Sources across the board celebrate the move because it closes a gap that felt increasingly outdated in 2026.

Current Status and What Comes Next

Right now, only iOS beta users see the placeholder in version 26.7.10.72. The actual scheduling tools stay hidden and non-functional. Once development finishes, select testers will try it first and provide feedback. After that, a wider beta and eventual stable release follow—though exact timing stays unknown.

Reports note that Android support will likely arrive around the same period, given Meta’s usual cross-platform approach. Channels may gain scheduling later, but nothing is confirmed yet. The message is clear: patience pays off, and the wait appears nearly over.

For now, iPhone users can still use Apple’s Shortcuts app as a workaround. It works but feels clunky compared to a native solution. Everyone agrees the built-in option will feel far more natural—long-press send, pick time, done.

How WhatsApp Scheduled Messages Compare to Other Apps

Telegram already offers scheduling with a handy repeat function for recurring messages. Apple’s iMessage added Send Later in iOS 18. Google Messages provides similar tools. WhatsApp arrives a bit later to the party, but its massive user base makes the addition feel especially significant.

What sets WhatsApp’s version apart is the dedicated management screen inside each chat. You see every scheduled item at a glance, grouped by conversation. That central control, combined with easy edit-and-delete options, promises a polished experience worthy of the app’s reputation for simplicity.

The Bigger Picture: Better Communication Ahead

This update reflects Meta’s ongoing commitment to features that solve everyday frustrations. After 17 years, WhatsApp finally addresses one of its most requested capabilities. Users will gain peace of mind knowing important words land exactly when they should.

Picture the relief of scheduling rent reminders, anniversary notes, or motivational check-ins without constant mental tracking. Busy professionals can prepare client updates during quiet hours and trust delivery at optimal business times. Families separated by distance stay connected on meaningful dates without last-minute panic.

The emotional payoff runs deep. Missed moments create regret. Scheduled messages turn potential disappointment into thoughtful consistency. You show up reliably even when life pulls you in every direction.

Stay Ready for WhatsApp’s Scheduled Messages Rollout

Update your WhatsApp regularly and watch for the beta invitation if you use TestFlight on iOS. The feature could land in stable versions within weeks or months once testing begins. In the meantime, share this news with friends who still set phone alarms just to remember messages.

WhatsApp scheduled messages are coming. The wait ends soon, and when it does, your conversations gain a powerful new dimension. You will compose once and deliver perfectly timed, every single time.