WhatsApp, a messaging app widely used across the globe with over a billion downloads on both the App Store and Play Store, is known for its unique features, including high-quality image sharing, chat lock, and built-in integration with Meta AI. Despite these capabilities, there is one feature missing that is common in most messaging platforms: message scheduling. Fortunately, the implementation of this feature is on the horizon.
Meta Takes Action
In recent times, Meta has rolled out a series of significant updates to WhatsApp, which include a redesigned status section and enhanced privacy measures. Now, the company is turning its attention to the long-awaited message scheduling feature, which is predicted to be a highly anticipated upgrade.
This inclusion was recently detected in a TestFlight beta of the WhatsApp iOS app, hinting that development is actively in progress and hinting at its imminent launch on the stable build. Accompanying this discovery, a screenshot of the Group Info interface has been circulated, displaying the Scheduled Messages option as part of the available features.
The scheduling feature will provide the ability to compose a message and set it to be sent at a later time. This could be particularly useful in scenarios where you want to send a birthday message at midnight but are concerned about forgetting due to other obligations. The scheduling feature enables the user to pen the birthday greeting and set it to be delivered at the desired time.
Rival Platforms Ahead of the Curve
WhatsApp has a host of competitors, including Signal, Messenger, iMessage, and notably, Telegram. Unlike WhatsApp, Telegram has had the ability to schedule messages since 2019.
Notably, Telegram also offers a “Repeat” function that enables users to schedule a specific message to be sent automatically at regular intervals. This feature is incredibly useful for sending recurring reminders or tasks. It remains unknown if WhatsApp will also provide this additional functionality or simply stick with the basic scheduling feature.
Interestingly, Instagram — another Meta-owned platform — already includes the ability to schedule messages for later delivery.
Early Stages of Development
While the feature is in the pipeline, it is still in early developmental stages. When development is finalized, it will be made accessible to a select group of beta testers who will share feedback and relay their user experience. Upon completion of this phase, the feature will be made available to all users. However, it is estimated that several weeks remain before the scheduling feature becomes an integral part of WhatsApp’s day-to-day operation.
Questions & Answers
What is the new feature being added to WhatsApp?
Answer: WhatsApp is adding a message scheduling feature, allowing users to compose a message and set it to be sent at a later time.
When was this feature first introduced by WhatsApp’s competitor, Telegram?
Answer: Telegram introduced message scheduling in 2019.
What is the current status of the development for this feature on WhatsApp?
Answer: The message scheduling feature is in its early stages of development on WhatsApp and will soon be tested by a select group of beta users. A general roll-out is expected to follow in the upcoming weeks.