iOS Beta Update Includes WhatsApp Scheduled Message Feature

WhatsApp, the messaging platform owned by Meta, is progressing with the development of its long-awaited scheduled messages feature. According to reports from WABetaInfo, developers have integrated references to a ‘Scheduled Messages’ option in the group chat info page of WhatsApp’s iOS beta version 26.7.10.72, available via TestFlight. This update allows users to type a message, select a specific date and time, and have it sent automatically in individual or group chats. The feature is expected to let users view, manage, and delete scheduled messages before they are sent, without notifying recipients if deleted. However, the functionality remains in early stages and has not yet been made available for public testing or stable release as of late February 2026.

The ability to schedule messages has been one of the app’s most requested features, particularly in comparison to competitors like Telegram, which introduced the capability in 2019, and Apple‘s ‘Send Later’ option in its Messages app with iOS 18. Prior to native support, users relied on workarounds such as Apple‘s Shortcuts app on iOS or third-party Android applications, which pose privacy risks. A YouTube guide from November 2025 outlined these methods but confirmed the absence of native WhatsApp support at that time.

Meta‘s development team plans to roll out the feature to select beta testers for feedback after completing the development phase, though no specific timeline has been announced. The feature’s eventual release would align with broader trends in messaging apps prioritizing automation and user convenience. As of now, the functionality remains under active development and has not been confirmed as functional or released as of late February 2026.