WhatsApp tests scheduled messages on iOS devices

Jakarta (ANTARA) - WhatsApp is testing a scheduled-messaging feature for iOS users, shortly after beginning trials on Android devices earlier this month.

According to a GSM Arena report on Thursday (22 October), the feature is being rolled out to some users of WhatsApp Beta for iOS version 26.42.10.19 through the TestFlight platform.

The feature works in much the same way as its Android counterpart. After typing a message, users simply press and hold the send button to bring up a menu for selecting the date and time it should be sent, then confirm using the green button at the bottom.

Messages can be scheduled for as soon as 10 minutes after they are created, or up to two weeks in advance.

The feature supports text, links and one photo or video file. All scheduled messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption.

Users can manage or delete scheduled messages at any time before they are sent, in a dedicated section on the chat information page.

Recipients will not be notified if the sender cancels or deletes a scheduled message.

In group chats, scheduled messages will be sent only to members who had joined when the message was scheduled. Members who join later will not receive it.

WhatsApp has not yet announced an official release date for the feature for all public users on either iOS or Android.