How to schedule text messages on iPhone

Apple, I must have had a faint dream about you announcing a scheduled text message feature. Maybe I’m just thinking of when you announced the edit text feature? Idk… i’m just really sad now cuz I kinda need it and am realizing you don’t have it yet…

Under-scooter-bathtub wrote:

Apple, I must have had a faint dream about you announcing a scheduled text message feature. Maybe I’m just thinking of when you announced the edit text feature? Idk… i’m just really sad now cuz I kinda need it and am realizing you don’t have it yet…

Apple doesn't participate here. If you want them to know your thoughts, use the feedback link:

Product Feedback - Apple

But, no, Apple hasn't announced such a feature.

JenEaglesF wrote:

It’s 10:50pm. I’m awake and texting…but do I send or abandon? That’s a mean choice.

I work on the assumption that if people don't want to get notifications during a particular time, they will use Focus/Do Not Disturb (or the Android equivalent) or will turn their phones off.

I don’t see an automation window on shortcuts app on iPhone 14 so these instructions didn’t help me.

Does anyone know if I can set up a one time text to myself or others at a certain date & time?

Why would you direct people to "Read the five pages of this thread" as if there is a solution in there or something? There is no solution posted in this thread so please don't ask people to go looking for something that isn't there.

And no the "Workaround" post is definitely NOT a solution. At best it is a poor band aid fix.

JcTcom wrote:

Why would you direct people to "Read the five pages of this thread" as if there is a solution in there or something? There is no solution posted in this thread so please don't ask people to go looking for something that isn't there.

Precisely because the fact that there is no solution and there are only workarounds has been discussed to death. There is nothing more to say on the matter. And, because it's inconsiderate to everyone who has already participated in the thread, including those who have taken the time to post their workarounds, not to read what has already been written and to expect people to answer all over again.

Wow so simple and intuitive…. Simply follow these TWELVE STEPS to schedule a message.

android with there simple button click has oversimplified it eh?

sarcasm aside why the heck is this not a feature yet?? Just make it thouch and hold on the send button….. Simple

snajm3 wrote:

sarcasm aside why the heck is this not a feature yet??

No one here in this user-to-user forum would know the answer to that. You can let Apple know what you'd like to see here:

Product Feedback - Apple

wascalx wrote:

Incredible!

What a horrific design.

Is it this hard to program Schedule Ahead texts?

Apple doesn't read here in this user-to-user forum for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:

Product Feedback - Apple

"Horrific" is war, famine, death. This is a minor inconvenience.

This process is overly complex, time consuming and honestly inconvenient. I’ve only ever had Apple products and I love iMessage but this should be a feature embedded right in the iMessage app. You mean to tell me I can send messages with features like fireworks and invisible ink but I can’t press and hold to schedule a text message? Big fail.

PaigeLaurel wrote:

This process is overly complex, time consuming and honestly inconvenient. I’ve only ever had Apple products and I love iMessage but this should be a feature embedded right in the iMessage app. You mean to tell me I can send messages with features like fireworks and invisible ink but I can’t press and hold to schedule a text message? Big fail.

Tell Apple:

Product Feedback - Apple

This was one of the easiest things I had to do. Just looked up shortcuts- boom. Clicked on Automation window, created a personal automation and most of the steps disappeared. It really isn’t that hard.

I can’t believe that it’s not possible to schedule text. The work around is a joke. It’s way too complicated and it’s really not the same. Android is so much better. I have never had an Android (my husband does), but for this feature I am thinking about switching. I’ve been waiting years for Apple to catch up the Android with scheduled texts and it’s just not happening.

Aspire957 wrote:

I can’t believe that it’s not possible to schedule text.

If you can't believe your own experience and the testimonies of your fellow users, I don't know if there's much more we can do to convince you.

I think you should sell your iPhone and get an Android. I think it will make you happier. Life is too short to get this upset by a phone.

Android is so much better. I have never had an Android (my husband does), but for this feature I am thinking about switching. I’ve been waiting years for Apple to catch up the Android with scheduled texts and it’s just not happening.

Is there a way to send a one time text? For example, I want to text someone in the middle of the night and would like them to receive it at 9:30am so I don’t wake them up. I work overnight and will be asleep to send it then. I think I’m going to use the automation you described and set it to monthly and go back in tomorrow and delete it. I hope that works.