WhatsApp to Introduce Scheduled Messaging: A Feature Long Available on Telegram Finally Arrives
WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that will allow users to schedule messages, composing them now and selecting a specific date and time for automatic delivery. The functionality was initially spotted in beta version 26.7.10.72 for iOS, accessible through the TestFlight beta program, though it isn’t yet active for all beta testers. This addition brings WhatsApp closer to feature parity with competing messaging apps like Telegram, which have offered scheduled messaging for years. The upcoming feature is expected to be available for both individual and group chats, eliminating the need for workarounds like iOS Shortcuts automations.
Unlike WhatsApp Business Broadcasts, which offer scheduled messaging capabilities but come with a cost, this new feature will be entirely free for all users. This move signals WhatsApp’s commitment to enhancing its core functionality without imposing additional fees, a strategy that aims to maintain its massive user base—currently exceeding two billion active users globally, according to Meta’s most recent quarterly reports. Meta reported 3.19 billion daily active people across its family of apps as of December 31, 2023, including WhatsApp.
The scheduling process will be straightforward: users will compose their message, select the scheduling option, choose the desired date and time, and the message will remain queued until the designated moment. Upon reaching the scheduled time, the message will be sent automatically, requiring no further action from the user. This feature addresses a long-standing request from WhatsApp users seeking greater control over their communication timing.
Managing Scheduled Messages
WhatsApp will display scheduled messages in a dedicated section within the chat information screen. This allows users to easily view all pending messages and manage them as needed. Users will have the ability to delete scheduled messages at any time before they are sent, providing a safety net against accidental or untimely deliveries. Importantly, deleting a scheduled message will not send any notification to the recipient, ensuring discretion and preventing awkward situations. The deletion occurs silently before the message is ever transmitted.
This development builds upon capabilities initially designed for WhatsApp Business. Business Broadcasts, formerly known as marketing messages, already allowed businesses to schedule offers, coupons, and promotions for optimal delivery times. Expanding this functionality to all users represents a significant step towards democratizing communication tools within the platform. The move aligns with WhatsApp’s broader strategy of enhancing user experience and providing more versatile communication options.
While obvious use cases include birthday wishes and appointment reminders, scheduled messaging has broader applications in daily life. A particularly useful scenario is professional communication: users can draft messages outside of work hours and schedule them to send during appropriate business hours, avoiding the disruption of colleagues or clients at inconvenient times. This feature promotes a more considerate and efficient communication workflow.
Catching Up to the Competition
Scheduled messaging isn’t a novel concept in the instant messaging world. Telegram has offered this functionality for several years, allowing users to schedule messages in both individual chats and channels/groups. Pavel Durov’s application has historically leveraged these functional differences as a marketing point against WhatsApp. WABetaInfo regularly reports on upcoming WhatsApp features discovered within the TestFlight beta program.
Previously, WhatsApp users on iOS who wanted to schedule messages had to rely on Apple’s Shortcuts app, creating automations to prepare messages for sending at specific times. While functional, this process was considerably less convenient than a natively integrated feature. The implementation of scheduled messaging within WhatsApp streamlines the process and offers a more user-friendly experience.
The introduction of this feature comes at a time when WhatsApp is striving to maintain its dominant position in the face of competitors offering more advanced functionalities. With its vast user base, WhatsApp has historically adopted a cautious approach to new features, prioritizing stability and simplicity over aggressive innovation. Yet, the company appears to be accelerating its feature development to remain competitive in the evolving messaging landscape.
Currently, there is no information indicating whether the scheduled messaging feature will extend to WhatsApp Channels, although it’s possible this could be integrated in the future to enable scheduled updates. The feature is currently in development and is expected to begin rolling out to beta testers before a wider public release, though a firm release date remains unconfirmed. Users interested in participating in the WhatsApp beta program can join via Apple’s TestFlight platform, but enrollment is subject to availability. According to the TestFlight page, beta builds are available for testing for up to 90 days from the date they are uploaded.
The latest beta update, version 26.7.10.74 for iOS, is now available on TestFlight, as reported by WABetaInfo on February 21, 2026. The update includes bug fixes and provides testers with the latest version of the scheduled messaging feature for evaluation.
What This Means for WhatsApp Users
The addition of scheduled messaging to WhatsApp represents a significant enhancement to the platform’s usability and convenience. It empowers users with greater control over their communication, allowing them to craft messages at their leisure and deliver them at the most opportune moment. This feature is particularly valuable for individuals who work across different time zones or who simply prefer to plan their communications in advance.
For businesses, scheduled messaging offers a streamlined way to engage with customers and prospects without disrupting their schedules. It allows for targeted communication that is delivered at times when recipients are most likely to be receptive, potentially increasing engagement and conversion rates. The free availability of this feature levels the playing field, providing small businesses with a powerful communication tool without the cost associated with WhatsApp Business Broadcasts.
While WhatsApp has been a dominant force in the messaging app market, it has faced increasing competition from apps like Telegram and Signal, which offer features like end-to-end encryption and advanced privacy controls. The introduction of scheduled messaging is a strategic move to address user demands and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape. It demonstrates WhatsApp’s willingness to adapt and innovate to meet the needs of its vast user base.
The rollout of scheduled messaging is expected to be gradual, starting with beta testers and eventually expanding to all users. WhatsApp will likely monitor user feedback and usage patterns to refine the feature and address any potential issues before a full public launch. Users can stay informed about the latest updates and features by following WABetaInfo and other reliable sources of WhatsApp news.
As WhatsApp continues to evolve, it is likely to introduce further enhancements and features to improve the user experience and maintain its position as a leading messaging platform. The company’s commitment to innovation and user feedback will be crucial in shaping the future of the app and ensuring its continued success.
The next step in the rollout of this feature will be its wider release to beta testers, followed by a potential public launch in the coming weeks or months. Users can expect to receive updates through the App Store as the feature becomes available. Keep an eye on official WhatsApp announcements and tech news sources for the latest information.