WhatsApp might soon let you schedule messages to be sent automatically in chats

WhatsApp is cooking up a game-changing feature that could completely transform how we communicate on the platform. According to the sharp-eyed sleuths at WABetaInfo, the popular messaging app is developing a message-scheduling capability that will let users send messages automatically at predetermined times, both in individual chats and group conversations.

This exciting discovery was unearthed in WhatsApp’s beta version 26.7.10.72 for iOS, giving us an early glimpse into what could become one of the app’s most practical additions yet. The feature, tentatively dubbed “Scheduled Messages,” promises to bring a new level of convenience to the platform by allowing users to compose messages and set them to be delivered automatically at specific dates and times.

Imagine being able to write a birthday message days in advance and have it arrive precisely at midnight, or schedule an important reminder for a group project to be sent during working hours without having to remember to send it yourself. The potential applications are vast, from personal reminders to professional communications.

The scheduling process appears straightforward: users would type their message as usual, then select the desired delivery date and time from a calendar interface. Once scheduled, these messages would be organized in a dedicated “Scheduled Messages” section within the chat information screen. This centralized hub would not only display all your pending scheduled messages but also allow you to review and delete them before they’re sent, giving you complete control over your automated communications.

The screenshot provided by WABetaInfo showcases this feature in action within a group chat context, displaying how scheduled messages would appear in the interface. While the current evidence focuses on group functionality, there’s every reason to believe WhatsApp will extend this capability to individual chats as well. After all, the utility of scheduling messages isn’t limited to group conversations—personal reminders, anniversary wishes, or timely check-ins with friends could all benefit from this feature.

What makes this development particularly intriguing is how it positions WhatsApp in the broader messaging landscape. While competitors like Telegram and Signal have offered similar functionality for some time, WhatsApp’s massive user base means this feature could become the most widely adopted scheduling tool in the messaging world. With over two billion users globally, the introduction of scheduled messages could fundamentally change how people use the platform for both casual and professional communication.

The timing of this feature’s development is also noteworthy. As remote work and digital communication continue to dominate our professional and personal lives, tools that help manage our messaging more efficiently are increasingly valuable. Scheduled messages could reduce the stress of remembering to send important communications and help users maintain better boundaries by allowing them to compose messages during their working hours while ensuring delivery at appropriate times for recipients in different time zones.

However, it’s important to note that this feature remains firmly in the development phase. Even beta testers don’t have access to it yet, which suggests WhatsApp is still fine-tuning the functionality and user experience. This also means that despite the promising discovery, there’s no guarantee the feature will make it to a public release. Tech companies frequently test features that never see the light of day, or significantly alter them before release based on user feedback and technical considerations.

The fact that WhatsApp is investing resources in developing this feature does indicate they see value in it, though. In an increasingly competitive messaging landscape, where apps are constantly adding new features to attract and retain users, scheduled messages could be a significant differentiator for WhatsApp, particularly in markets where the app dominates communication.

For power users, businesses, and anyone who’s ever forgotten to send an important message, the prospect of scheduled messages on WhatsApp is genuinely exciting. It represents a thoughtful evolution of the platform that addresses real user needs without complicating the core messaging experience. As we await further developments, one thing is clear: WhatsApp continues to evolve, and features like this suggest the platform is committed to making communication more convenient and efficient for its billions of users worldwide.

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