How to Send Messages Later on iPhone in iOS 18 to Schedule Automated Text Delivery

Remembering to send birthday wishes across different time zones or scheduling important work reminders during normal business hours previously required complex third-party Shortcuts automations on iOS. With iOS 18, Apple introduced a native Send Later feature directly into the Messages app, allowing users to compose messages in advance and schedule them for precise automated delivery.

How the Send Later Feature Works in iOS 18

Send Later functions seamlessly across one-on-one chats and group conversations with other Apple users using iMessage. Scheduled messages are securely uploaded to Apple servers, meaning the message will be delivered at the scheduled time even if your iPhone is turned off, in Airplane mode, or out of cellular coverage at that moment.

Scheduling a Message to Send Later

Follow these steps to schedule a message for future transmission:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone running iOS 18 or later.
2. Select an existing conversation or start a new thread.
3. Tap the + (Add) button located to the left of the text composition field.
4. In the app tray that appears, tap More to expand additional tools.
5. Select Send Later (represented by a clock icon).
6. A scheduled delivery badge will appear above the text box displaying the default time.
7. Tap the blue date and time bubble to open the scroll wheel picker. Select your desired delivery date and time (up to 14 days in advance).
8. Type your message content into the input field.
9. Tap the blue Send arrow. Your scheduled message will appear in the conversation thread with a distinct dashed border, awaiting delivery.

Editing, Rescheduling, or Deleting Scheduled Messages

If plans change before your scheduled message is dispatched, you have full control to modify or cancel it:

1. Navigate to the conversation containing the pending scheduled message.
2. Locate the message marked with a dashed outline and the scheduled timestamp.
3. Tap the Edit button positioned directly above the pending bubble.
4. Choose from the contextual menu options:
   • Send Message: Dispatches the message immediately without waiting for the scheduled time.
   • Edit Time: Opens the date and time picker to postpone or advance delivery.
   • Delete Message: Cancels and removes the scheduled message entirely.
5. To alter the text itself, tap into the message bubble, revise the copy, and tap the checkmark to save adjustments.

Send Later Limitations to Keep in Mind

While Send Later is exceptionally convenient, keep the following parameters in mind when planning communications:

• Maximum Scheduling Window: Messages can be scheduled up to 14 days ahead of time.
• iMessage Exclusivity: Send Later is primarily designed for iMessage protocols. If messaging an Android contact via standard SMS or RCS, verify that your carrier and OS build support scheduled cellular messaging.
• Multi-Device Sync: Scheduled messages sync across your signed-in Apple devices running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.