WhatsApp to allow scheduling message delivery
The feature will appear in the messenger's beta version for Android and will work even offline, reports WaBetaInfo
WhatsApp is adding the ability to schedule the delivery of text messages, photos, and videos. Users will be able to select the exact delivery time, even if the device is offline. The feature will be available in both personal and group chats.
The new option will appear in the WhatsApp beta version for Android 2.26.40.7. To schedule a message, users need to long-press the send button—this will open a menu where they can specify the date and time. Additionally, a separate section for managing scheduled messages will appear in the chat settings.
The feature supports text, links, photos, and videos, but only one item at a time. Messages can be scheduled at least 10 minutes and at most two weeks in advance. In group chats, only those participants who were in the group at the time of scheduling will receive the message.
Currently, the option is available to a limited number of beta testers, but more users will gain access in the coming weeks. WhatsApp has been developing the feature for several months and is now preparing for its official release. All scheduled messages are protected by end-to-end encryption.
Scheduled messages can be managed in a special chat section. If the sender deletes the message before delivery, the recipient will not be notified. The feature does not support bulk sending of multiple photos or videos in a single message.