At Monday’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple announced that the upcoming iOS 18 update will include a scheduling feature for Messages.
This new addition will let you write a text and set it to send at a specific time in the future.
Android users have had this feature for quite some time, and Apple even mentioned it as one of their “most requested features.”
Imagine you want to send a message, but it’s too late at night, and you don’t want to disturb anyone, or you want to ensure you don’t forget a birthday or important event—this feature is perfect for that.
Using the scheduling feature is straightforward. After updating to iOS 18, you’ll write your message as usual, then choose the option to schedule it.
You can pick the exact date and time for it to be sent. Your device will store the message and send it out at the scheduled time.
This scheduling feature isn’t the only exciting news from this year’s WWDC. Apple also introduced a slew of other iOS updates, such as enhanced privacy controls, better ways to categorize emails, new tools for organizing your photo library, a redesigned control center, and more.
Since Messages is integrated across all of Apple’s platforms—iOS, iPadOS, WatchOS, and macOS—you can expect this scheduling feature to be available everywhere.
However, it’s important to note that older iPhone models, specifically those from the iPhone X and earlier, won’t support the iOS 18 update and thus won’t have access to this new feature.
You’ll be able to use Apple’s new scheduling feature when iOS 18 launches later this year. If you can’t wait and want to try it out sooner, you can sign up for Apple’s beta testing program and get early access this summer.
I’d like to hear your thoughts on this new feature coming to your iPhone this fall.
Sadly still no read receipts for group chats. I am sticking to WhatsApp.