Why can't I schedule messages to Android users on iPhone?

As someone who switched to Apple a few years back, I was incredibly excited for the “send later” function (which other brands have had for ages). I update my phone yesterday and go to schedule a message to someone who has an android and realize the functionality only applies to other iPhone users?! Please tell me this is a bug or a glitch?!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 15 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 18, 2024 4:34 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 25, 2024 7:39 AM

dexwag132 wrote:

the feature doesn’t pop up as an option for non-iPhone users. I use this feature for work to schedule messages. For other iPhone users, the “send later” option pops up as an option. For android users, the option of “send later” is not present when I click on the plus sign

Yes, that's an accurate observation. The feature is currently only available for iMessage users.

74 replies

Oct 28, 2024 9:07 AM in response to Itwontfitn

Itwontfitn wrote:

I sent it. Do you think that makes any difference?

Apple will read it. If you are the only person that wants to be able to schedule a message from an iPhone to an Android device using RCS, then probably not. If there is a demand for that feature, then it is more likely. No one here can speculate on what Apple will plan to do in the future, unless they publicly release that information.

Feb 11, 2025 7:08 AM in response to Telenerd

Telenerd wrote:

I’m also frustrated about another feature that doesn’t cross over to other phones. Sending a scheduled text is exactly what I need to use in a lot of situations and I can only do this with other iPhones?
After over 20 years of being committed to Apple, I’m about to switch. I’ve had it with these never ending “Apple only” issues.
my next updates will be android/samsung.

You should let Apple know how you feel:


Product Feedback - Apple


Feb 21, 2025 8:30 AM in response to Likisaurus

Likisaurus wrote:

Apple, I switched from Android and Windows to your environment for better/easier security and a reduction in junk coming in from all sides to my email and texting apps. While I have largely achieved that, your failure to accept android destinations as critical means you are not dealing with the realities of society. I'm getting ready to replace my now old iPhone XR and it is starting to look like my new one will not be an iPhone.

This is a user-to-user technical support forum. Apple doesn't read here for feedback or suggestions. You can, however, let them know your thoughts here:


Product Feedback - Apple


Oct 4, 2024 3:52 PM in response to KMCT2009

Just 1,000000% agreeing with the frustration at not being able to schedule send to non iPhones. Was so excited that my new-ish iPhone could *finally* schedule send, as I'd done for years on previous Android, to find out it only works with recipients on iPhones. Wth?? Apple is determined not to play well with others. This is just the most recent example I've been hit with. I'm truly sick of it. As others have said, if it's a setting or a bug. Please tf let us know.

Oct 7, 2024 4:48 PM in response to KMCT2009

To @IdrisSeabright: I'd been using RCS on my previous Android's default messaging for years. I don't think mine was special in any way. Sometimes Apple users' defenses of Apple's choices, omissions, feature fails, and refusal to play well with others, feels a little cult-like. Apologies if that's not you. It's definitely not me.

Oct 8, 2024 8:04 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

I was just responding to your comment* that Android "isn't all beer and skittles," citing an absence of RCS on Android messaging. RCS popped up as ab option for me years ago on Android. I do agree it wasn't clear what the fuss was about. Just saying that it was among Android's beer and skittles! Ps, I appreciate the link to Apple's complaints/requests page where I shared my thoughts.


*when I tried to comment directly to that comment, the spinning circle just hung every time and it never worked. Another Apple "feature," I guess ; ). Heh

Oct 8, 2024 8:06 AM in response to Jbinesf

Jbinesf wrote:

I was just responding to your comment* that Android "isn't all beer and skittles," citing an absence of RCS on Android messaging. RCS popped up as ab option for me years ago on Android. I do agree it wasn't clear what the fuss was about. Just saying that it was among Android's beer and skittles! Ps, I appreciate the link to Apple's complaints/requests page where I shared my thoughts.

Again, if you have the right messaging app on your Android, you get Google's version of RCS. If that's what works for you, outstanding. That was my entire point.


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Why can't I schedule messages to Android users on iPhone?

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