WhatsApp is rolling out Scheduled Messages to select iPhone beta testers through TestFlight.
WhatsApp is rolling out Scheduled Messages to select iPhone beta testers through TestFlight, bringing a long-requested sending tool to iOS with a scheduling window that runs from 10 minutes to 14 days ahead. The feature works in both individual and group chats, letting users queue a message in advance instead of sending it live. For now, access remains limited rather than broadly available across iPhone users.
iPhone beta testers get WhatsApp's Scheduled Messages tool
The feature is appearing in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.42.10.19, which is currently available through TestFlight. That matters for users who have been waiting for message scheduling on iPhone, because WhatsApp first tested the tool on Android before extending it to iOS. The rollout is still gradual, so even beta users on the right channel may not see it immediately.
This is still a test-phase release, not a full iPhone launch. WhatsApp has not announced a public release date, and the company has not said when the feature will move beyond select testers. For operators who use WhatsApp for reminders, follow-ups, or timed outreach, the practical update is simple: iPhone access has started, but only inside the beta program.
Long-press send, pick a time, and queue the message
Using the tool is straightforward. After composing a message, users can long-press the send button, then choose a future date and time for delivery. WhatsApp allows scheduling from as little as 10 minutes ahead to as much as 14 days in advance, giving users enough range for both near-term reminders and planned outreach.
The feature works in individual chats and group chats, which broadens its utility beyond one-to-one messaging. A team can queue a note for a group at the right time, or a user can line up a personal follow-up without needing to be online at the moment it should go out. That makes the tool especially useful for anyone managing routine communication windows across busy workdays.
Messages send even when WhatsApp is closed
Scheduled Messages is designed to send automatically even if the app is closed or the phone is offline at the scheduled time. That removes one of the main friction points with manual reminders: the sender does not need to reopen the app and press send when the clock hits. For business users and operators, that means fewer missed follow-ups and less dependence on personal memory for routine outreach.
The feature supports at least text, images, videos, and links, so it is not limited to simple typed reminders. Users can queue richer messages for promotions, status updates, instructions, or check-ins without having to send them in real time. WhatsApp has not said when Scheduled Messages will reach a public iPhone release, but the current beta rollout shows the feature is moving beyond Android testing and into iOS distribution.
Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
About the author
Samarth Agrawal is an AI and technology professional who writes about WhatsApp, automation, and emerging AI trends. He focuses on simplifying complex tech updates into practical insights for businesses, creators, and everyday users
