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# WhatsApp Tests Scheduled Messages on iPhone
- URL: https://blog.harshkohli.com/whatsapp-scheduled-messages-iphone-beta/
- Published: 2026-10-23T04:26:36.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T07:39:24.000Z
- Description: WhatsApp is testing scheduled messages in its iOS beta: schedule texts and media 10 minutes to 2 weeks ahead. How it works and when you get it.
- Author: Harsh Kohli
- Tags: Tech News, Phones

WhatsApp has started testing scheduled messages on iPhone, a feature people have been asking for since basically forever. I've wanted this for birthday wishes at midnight without staying up, so here's what's actually in the beta and when you might get it.

## What happened

On 22 October 2026, [WABetaInfo reported](https://wabetainfo.com/whatsapp-is-rolling-out-scheduled-messages-on-ios-beta/?ref=blog.harshkohli.com) that WhatsApp beta for iOS 26.42.10.19, distributed through Apple's TestFlight, is switching on message scheduling for some testers. That came less than two weeks after the same feature appeared in the Android beta, as [9to5Mac also noted](https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/22/whatsapp-starts-testing-long-awaited-scheduled-messages-on-iphone/?ref=blog.harshkohli.com).

The way it works is pretty simple. You type your message, then press and hold the send button instead of tapping it. A date and time picker pops up, and the green button at the bottom shows the exact delivery time before you confirm. You'll see a small note in the chat that only you can see.

A few details stood out to me:

- The earliest you can schedule is 10 minutes ahead, and the latest is two weeks out.
- Text, links, photos and videos all work, but only one photo or video per scheduled message.
- Pending messages sit in a new section on the chat info (or group info) screen, where you can delete them before they go out. The other person never gets told.
- In groups, only people who were members when you scheduled it will get the message. Someone who joins later won't, even if they join before it's sent.
- WABetaInfo says scheduled messages keep end-to-end encryption, and they send even if your phone is offline at the chosen time.

## Why it matters

WhatsApp is one of the biggest messaging apps on the planet, with Meta saying it passed 3 billion monthly users last year. Telegram, Gmail and even Apple's own Messages app already let you schedule things, so this is WhatsApp catching up rather than inventing anything.

Still, it matters more here than almost anywhere else. In India, Brazil, Indonesia and much of Europe, WhatsApp is where work chats, family groups and small business orders all live. Being able to queue a reminder for a client in another time zone, or a good-morning note to family abroad, saves a lot of awkward late-night typing. The group rule about new members is a smart privacy choice too, since nobody gets a message meant for a group they weren't in.

## What to do

For most people, the honest answer is to wait. There's no switch you can flip, even inside the beta. WhatsApp turns it on for selected testers, and WABetaInfo says more will get it over the coming weeks. No public release date has been given for iPhone or Android.

If you're already in the TestFlight program, update to 26.42.10.19 and long-press send to check. Beta spots are usually full, though, so don't install random "WhatsApp plus" style mods promising it early. Those violate WhatsApp's terms and can get your number banned.

While you wait, if calls on your phone keep dropping indoors, my guide on [fixing Wi-Fi Calling on Android and iPhone](https://blog.harshkohli.com/wifi-calling-not-working/) might help. I'll update this post when scheduling reaches the stable app.

*Source:* [*WABetaInfo*](https://wabetainfo.com/whatsapp-is-rolling-out-scheduled-messages-on-ios-beta/?ref=blog.harshkohli.com)*, via* [*9to5Mac*](https://9to5mac.com/2026/10/22/whatsapp-starts-testing-long-awaited-scheduled-messages-on-iphone/?ref=blog.harshkohli.com)*.*