{
  "id": 14181219,
  "title": "This much-awaited feature is coming to WhatsApp soon",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/this-much-awaited-feature-is-coming-to-whatsapp-soon",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-13T10:39:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/technology/this-much-awaited-feature-is-coming-to-whatsapp-soon/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "WhatsApp is set to introduce a new scheduling feature, allowing users to plan messages ahead of time for text, photos, and videos. This update, already available on some Android beta devices, will enable content to be automatically sent at a chosen date and time. The feature is initially rolling out to a select group of Android beta testers and is anticipated to be expanded to a wider audience in the coming weeks. The scheduling tool, found in WhatsApp Beta for Android version 2.26.40.7, functions across individual and group chats. Users can schedule messages by typing them in a chat and pressing and holding the send button to reach the scheduling interface. While text messages, links, photos, and videos are all supported, only one media file can be scheduled at a time. Scheduled messages can be sent as early as 10 minutes in advance, with a maximum delivery window of two weeks. A dedicated section in chat settings will allow users to view, manage, or delete their scheduled messages before they are sent, with recipients remaining unaware if a scheduled message is deleted. The feature will only reach recipients who were part of the group chat at the time of scheduling, with new members missing any previously scheduled messages. While currently limited to a select group of Android beta testers, WhatsApp plans to roll out the feature to more users soon, fulfilling a long-standing user demand.",
  "summary": "The feature is currently being introduced to some Android beta testers and is expected to reach more users in the coming weeks.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}