WhatsApp has started testing a scheduled messages feature for a limited number of beta users on Android via the Google Play Store. The feature allows users to send messages at a specific date and time, working in both one-on-one and group chats. Scheduled messages are delivered even if the sender's device is offline at the time.
Currently, the feature supports text, links, photos, and videos, though only one image or video can be scheduled per message. All scheduled messages remain end-to-end encrypted, maintaining WhatsApp's security standard. Users can access the scheduling option by tapping and holding the send button in a chat, which opens an interface to set the delivery time.
The earliest a message can be scheduled is 10 minutes in the future, with a maximum of two weeks ahead. Scheduled messages appear in a dedicated section of the chat info screen, where users can view, manage, or delete them before sending. Recipients are unaware if a message was scheduled or later deleted.
For group chats, scheduled messages are only sent to members who were in the group at the time of scheduling; new members joining afterward will not receive the message. The feature is expected to roll out to all users soon.
Source: GSMArena · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing