LAHORE: WhatsApp has reportedly begun testing a scheduled messaging feature for iPhone users, allowing people to compose messages in advance and have them sent automatically at a selected date and time.
According to technology website WABetaInfo, the feature is currently available to selected beta testers on iOS and Android. WhatsApp has not yet announced an official release date for the feature.
The reported feature will allow users to schedule text messages, photos, videos and web links for automatic delivery.
Users will be able to select the date and time at which a message should be sent. According to the available information, messages can be scheduled from as little as 10 minutes ahead to as far as two weeks in advance.
The feature could prove useful for sending birthday wishes, reminders, business communications and other important messages at specific times without having to send them manually.
Although testing is reportedly underway among selected beta users, the feature is not yet available to everyone.
WhatsApp has not officially confirmed when scheduled messaging will be rolled out to the wider user base. Its availability for all iPhone and Android users will depend on the outcome of testing and the company’s release plans.
Users may need to wait for a future app update before they can access the feature on their devices.