Want to schedule text messages on your iPhone? You're not alone. Millions of iPhone users search for this feature every month, and while Apple finally added some scheduling capabilities in iOS 18, the reality is more limited than you might expect.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you exactly what Apple allows, what they don't, and explore alternative solutions for complete message scheduling.
What Apple Actually Allows (iOS 18+)
In September 2024, Apple introduced the "Send Later" feature with iOS 18. Here's exactly what you can do:
How to Schedule iMessage on iPhone (iOS 18+)
Open Messages App
Launch the Messages app and tap into any iMessage conversation (blue bubbles)
Tap the Plus (+) Button
Tap the "+" button next to the text input field
Select "Send Later"
Tap "Send Later" (you might need to tap "More" first to see this option)
Choose Date and Time
Tap the blue bubble showing the default time to adjust when your message will be sent
Type and Send
Type your message and tap the send button. Your message will appear with a dotted outline until it's sent
Apple's Major Limitations
While Apple's "Send Later" feature is a step forward, it comes with significant restrictions that make it unsuitable for many users:
Complete List of Apple's Limitations
| Feature | Apple Native (iOS 18) | What You Actually Need |
|---|---|---|
| iMessage Scheduling | ✅ Yes (14 days max) | ✅ Longer periods needed |
| SMS to Android | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Essential for most users |
| WhatsApp Messages | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Most popular messaging app |
| Email Scheduling | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Important for business |
| Recurring Messages | ❌ Not supported | ✅ Birthday reminders, etc. |
| Cross-platform Sync | ❌ Apple devices only | ✅ Works everywhere |
Why Apple Doesn't Allow More
Apple's limitations aren't arbitrary—they're due to technical and business constraints:
- SMS Control: Apple doesn't control SMS infrastructure, which is managed by carriers
- Third-party Apps: WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. have their own APIs that Apple can't directly access
- Security Concerns: Scheduling requires storing messages on servers, which Apple minimizes for privacy
- Ecosystem Lock-in: Keeping advanced features within iMessage encourages staying in Apple's ecosystem
Alternative Solutions
Since Apple's native features only cover a fraction of what users actually need, third-party apps can fill the gap. However, it's important to understand their limitations and how they actually work.
How Third-Party Apps Actually Work
Apps like TextLater use a notification-based system rather than true automation:
Schedule Your Message
Set the date and time you want to send your message
Receive Notification
When the time comes, you get a notification on your iPhone
Manual Action Required
You must tap the notification and manually send the message
TextLater App Overview
TextLater is one such third-party solution. Here's what you should know:
- Price: $2.99 one-time purchase (not free)
- Rating: 4.3/5 stars (global rating)
- Features: SMS, WhatsApp, and email scheduling
- Limitation: Requires manual action when notification is received
- Languages: English, French, Spanish
Comparison: Apple Native vs Third-Party
| Feature | Apple Native | TextLater (Third-Party) |
|---|---|---|
| SMS to Anyone | ❌ | ✅ (Manual action required) |
| WhatsApp Messages | ❌ | ✅ (Manual action required) |
| Email Scheduling | ❌ | ✅ (Manual action required) |
| No Time Limit | ❌ (14 days max) | ✅ Unlimited |
| Recurring Messages | ❌ | ✅ |
| Predefined Templates | ❌ | ✅ |
| Contact Integration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Automatic Sending | ✅ | ❌ (Manual required) |
Real-World Use Cases
Here are the scenarios where Apple's limitations become apparent and third-party solutions might help:
- Birthday Reminders: Schedule "Happy Birthday!" messages months in advance for family and friends
- Business Follow-ups: Send professional follow-up emails and SMS to clients
- International Communication: Schedule messages across time zones via WhatsApp
- Appointment Reminders: Set up recurring reminders for regular appointments
- Holiday Greetings: Schedule seasonal messages for Christmas, New Year, etc.
- Work-Life Balance: Schedule work messages during business hours, even when you think of them at night
Explore Alternative Solutions
If Apple's native features don't meet your needs, research third-party solutions carefully. Remember that most require manual action when notifications are received.
View TextLater on App StoreFrequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule SMS to Android users on iPhone?
No, Apple's native iOS features do not support scheduling SMS messages to Android users. The "Send Later" feature only works for iMessage (blue bubbles). Third-party apps like TextLater can help, but they require manual action when you receive the notification.
Why is there a 14-day limit on Apple's message scheduling?
Apple limits message scheduling to 14 days to minimize data storage on their servers and reduce security risks. Messages are encrypted and stored temporarily until sent, then deleted from Apple's servers.
Do third-party scheduling apps send messages automatically?
No, most third-party scheduling apps do not send messages automatically. They send you a notification when it's time to send, and you must manually tap the notification and send the message yourself. This is due to Apple's security policies.
Can I schedule WhatsApp messages on iPhone?
No, Apple's native features cannot schedule WhatsApp messages. WhatsApp has its own infrastructure that Apple cannot directly access. Third-party apps like TextLater can help, but they require manual action when you receive the notification.
Is there a way to schedule recurring messages on iPhone?
Apple does not provide native support for recurring message scheduling. For recurring birthday reminders, weekly check-ins, or monthly updates, you need a third-party solution like TextLater, but remember they require manual action.
What's coming in iOS 26 for message scheduling?
iOS 26 (releasing September 2025) will add new features to Messages like polls, custom backgrounds, and Apple Cash in group chats, but it won't extend SMS scheduling to Android users or remove the 14-day limitation.
Conclusion
While Apple's iOS 18 "Send Later" feature is a welcome addition, it only scratches the surface of what users actually need for message scheduling. The limitations—no SMS to Android, no WhatsApp, no email, and a 14-day maximum—make it insufficient for real-world use.
Third-party solutions like TextLater can fill some gaps, but they come with their own limitations, primarily the requirement for manual action when notifications are received. This is actually a good thing for security and privacy, but it's important to understand this limitation before purchasing.