In a move long-awaited by many users, WhatsApp is said to be working on a scheduled messages feature. This much-needed feature could be a game-changer for how users interact with the service for both personal and business use.
The feature is still in development, but it appears that work on the feature has already begun. Once it is released, this feature could bring WhatsApp more in line with other modern messaging services that already have it.
Why Scheduled Messages Matter More Than Ever
Messaging services are no longer just a means of having a casual conversation with friends. Instead, they have become:
Business communication platforms
Without the ability to schedule messages, users are forced to either remember to send the message at a later time or send it at an inconvenient time. This has made WhatsApp seem slightly outdated compared to other messaging services in terms of productivity features.
With the addition of this feature, users will be able to:
✔ Send birthday messages automatically at midnight
✔ Send work updates during business hours
✔ Send reminders without having to use a separate app
✔ Communicate with people across different time zones
✔ Keep professional boundaries outside of business hours
Evidence of the Feature in Development
The first signs of the new feature were found by WABetaInfo, a popular source for information on upcoming WhatsApp features.
Based on their observations, there have been mentions of “Scheduled Messages” within a current beta version of the app. This is still in development and not yet available for testing, but the presence of interface elements indicates that WhatsApp is already working towards its release.
A preview has been shown to include a Scheduled Messages option within group information settings, right alongside other familiar options such as media and starred messages.
This shows that WhatsApp is not merely testing the waters but is actually developing a well-organised feature that will allow it to integrate seamlessly with other chat management options.
A Catch-Up Move by Meta
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has already introduced sophisticated messaging options throughout its entire platform. WhatsApp, however, has always been more cautious about introducing new features in order to keep the app simple and reliable.
While this approach did help the app retain its clean interface, it also left it behind in terms of the features that users expect from modern messaging apps.
Scheduled messaging is one such feature that is easy to implement but incredibly useful in practical applications.
This new feature marks a new direction in making WhatsApp more productivity-oriented without having to sacrifice usability in the process.
How Other Apps Already Use Scheduled Messaging
Other messaging apps have been using this feature for years. For example, Telegram allows users to set the exact time when they want a message to be sent, whether it’s minutes, days, or even months from now.
In some instances, even the scheduling feature allows for messages to be sent repeatedly, which is particularly useful for:
Weekly meeting reminders
Daily check-ins
Automated announcements
Habit tracking notifications
Since this feature is not available on WhatsApp, users have been forced to find workarounds that are often complicated and require third-party tools.
Current Workarounds Users Have Been Forced to Use
Before this update, users of the WhatsApp app who wanted to use the scheduled messaging feature had very limited options:
- Manual Reminders
Users had to set the alarms and messages themselves, which was inefficient and prone to being forgotten.
- External Automation Tools
Some users relied on external automation tools for their phones, which might be unreliable or require technical knowledge to implement.
- Business Platform Alternatives
Some companies might have switched to alternative messaging platforms simply because they offered the functionality of scheduling messages.
These solutions add unnecessary complexity to what should be a simple communication process.
What We Know About WhatsApp’s Scheduled Messages Feature So Far
Although the feature is still in development, there are some reports about what it will look like:
It will be accessible from within the chat or group conversation.
Users will be able to write messages in advance.
The messages will be sent automatically at the chosen time.
The feature might be available to beta testers before everyone else.
It is not yet clear whether the feature will offer more advanced functionality such as recurring messages or automation triggers. However, even basic functionality would be a huge step forward.
How This Feature Will Change Communication
This feature may seem insignificant, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way people communicate online.
For Professionals
This feature allows teams to write updates during work hours and schedule them to be sent when it is relevant, without having to be online.
For Businesses
This feature makes it easier for customers to engage with the business through timed promotions, appointment reminders, and service notifications.
For Families and Friends
This feature allows users to schedule messages for special occasions without having to worry about forgetting important events.
For Global Communication
This feature prevents users from sending messages at inconvenient times due to time zone differences.
Why WhatsApp Took So Long to Implement This Feature
WhatsApp has always concentrated on:
Privacy-centric design
Stability of end-to-end encryption
Avoiding feature bloat
Performance consistency across platforms
Implementing automation features such as scheduled messages requires careful design to guarantee that:
Messages are still encrypted
Messages are delivered successfully
Messages are not stored unsecured
The feature works on low-end devices as well
This could be the reason why the feature is being rolled out only now.
When Can Scheduled Messages Be Expected to Arrive?
Not yet, as there is no release date announced.
Usually, WhatsApp rolls out new features in the following manner:
Development phase for internal testing
Limited beta release
Feedback and bug fixes
Gradual release worldwide
If the development process continues without any issues, users can expect to see the early versions of the feature in beta updates before the official release.
What Does This Mean for the Future of WhatsApp?
The scheduled message feature is probably a part of a larger change. WhatsApp is slowly undergoing a transformation from a basic messaging app to a comprehensive communication service that can handle a variety of tasks for both personal and professional use.
Future updates may include:
More advanced automation features
Integration with business workflows
Improved group management
Customizable notification settings
Scheduled messages might be the tip of the iceberg.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
❓ What is the scheduled messages feature in WhatsApp?
The scheduled messages feature is a messaging feature that enables users to compose a message and schedule it to be sent on a particular date and time.
❓ Is the scheduled messages feature available on WhatsApp?
No, the feature is still in development and has not been released for public use yet.
❓ Why do people need the scheduled messages feature?
It helps people communicate more efficiently, especially when it comes to reminders, business updates, and messages to people in different time zones.
❓ Will the scheduled messages function in group and individual conversations?
It appears that the feature will function in group conversations, and it should also be functional in individual conversations.
❓ Will the scheduled messages be able to repeat automatically?
There has been no confirmation regarding the automatic repeating of the messages, although this feature is hoped to be added.
❓ Is the scheduled messaging feature safe and private?
As WhatsApp has end-to-end encryption, the feature should be safe and private, just like other messages.
❓ How will this benefit businesses?
Businesses will be able to automate customer communication, send notifications at the right time, and engage with customers on a consistent basis without any manual intervention.
Final Thoughts
The addition of the scheduled messaging feature is a significant milestone for WhatsApp. Although the feature seems small, it fills one of the most apparent gaps in the app and brings the app in line with how people communicate today – intentionally, efficiently, and with flexible schedules.
This feature has the potential to become one of the most useful features of WhatsApp, helping millions of users save time, stay organized, and communicate smarter.
