WhatsApp begins testing scheduled messages on iPhone after Android rollout
Meta is rolling out scheduled messaging to select iPhone beta testers, following a recent Android debut. This long-requested feature allows users to set specific delivery times for messages. With over three billion monthly active users, WhatsApp addresses a significant gap compared to competitors. The update aims to enhance user control, though full availability remains pending broader testing.
Key points
- Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has started testing a scheduled messages feature with select iPhone beta testers.
- The feature allows users to tap and hold the send button to select a specific date and time for message delivery.
- WhatsApp, which reported over 3 billion monthly active users in April 2023, is adding this capability after years of user demand.
- The scheduled messages tool debuted on Android beta less than two weeks before the current iOS rollout began.
- Competitors have offered similar scheduling options for years, making this a notable catch-up for the global messaging platform.
- Users see a confirmation in the chat after scheduling, though the specific visibility of this confirmation to recipients is still being defined.
Meta has initiated testing of a scheduled messages feature for its WhatsApp application on iOS devices. The update is currently available to select beta testers, marking a significant addition to the platform's capabilities. This development follows the feature's recent debut on Android beta versions, which occurred less than two weeks prior. The rollout addresses one of the most persistent requests from the user base, which has previously lacked this functionality despite the app's massive global reach.
The implementation allows users to schedule messages directly from the chat interface. By tapping and holding the send button, users access a date and time picker to determine when the message will be delivered. A confirmation screen displays the exact delivery time before the user finalizes the schedule. Once set, the chat interface displays a confirmation, although the visibility of this status to the recipient remains a detail under observation.
WhatsApp, which Mark Zuckerberg noted in April 2023 has more than 3 billion monthly active users, continues to close feature gaps with competing messaging services. While the platform dominates global communication, it has historically lagged behind rivals in offering basic scheduling tools. This update aims to improve user convenience and control over communication timing, potentially influencing how users manage professional and personal interactions on the platform. Full availability for all iOS users is expected to follow the beta testing phase.
Sources
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