WhatsApp scheduled messages are finally in development, according to details uncovered in a recent TestFlight beta build. The feature has long been one of the most requested additions to WhatsApp, and its arrival would bring the platform closer to parity with competing messaging apps that already support message scheduling.
The discovery was first reported by WABetaInfo, which identified references to “Scheduled Messages” within the Group Info section of the app. In the leaked screenshot, the new menu item appears alongside existing options such as media, links, documents, and starred messages. While the functionality is not yet enabled for testers, the presence of interface hooks suggests active development rather than early-stage experimentation.
For years, users of WhatsApp have relied on workarounds to schedule outgoing messages. On iPhone, that often meant building automations in the Shortcuts app, which can trigger pre-written messages at specific times but lacks deep native integration. The absence of built-in scheduling has stood out as an omission, particularly as messaging platforms have evolved into tools for both personal and professional coordination.
Competing apps have offered more robust solutions. Telegram includes a native scheduling tool with options such as recurring sends, making it useful for reminders or repeated notifications. iMessage has also introduced scheduling features, reducing friction for users within Apple’s ecosystem. WhatsApp’s move to add scheduled messages appears to acknowledge that the feature is no longer niche but expected.
At this stage, it is unclear how comprehensive WhatsApp’s implementation will be. There is no confirmation yet on whether it will support recurring messages, granular time controls, or restrictions based on chat type. Group scheduling, business messaging integration, and compatibility across devices could also shape how widely the feature is adopted.
Meta has not formally announced the feature, and it remains unavailable even to current beta testers. According to reports, once development stabilizes, it will first roll out to a limited group of beta users for feedback before expanding to the broader user base.
The addition of WhatsApp scheduled messages would represent a practical update rather than a headline-grabbing change. Still, for users who depend on messaging apps for reminders, event coordination, or business communication, native scheduling could eliminate the need for third-party automation tools and bring WhatsApp in line with modern messaging expectations.
