"Send Later" option not appearing in Message app iOS 18

Samson_1 wrote:

Based on what everyone is saying Apple Support is in denial when it comes to customer feedback with the Send Later function. Apple Support, the issue is real and has not been fixed. Find a fix!

Denial? No, they are not in denial at all and clearly state it for users with iMessage. They have never said you have to option to Send Later to Android and not sure where you had read that. You may have been misinformed that it is not working correctly and a fix is needed, but that is not the case. It was a feature added last September for iPhone users.

There is a distinct difference in the Send Later function on both platforms that you may not be aware of and may help explain why Apple's approach is different and more reliable. On Android, Send Later will only work when the device is on and has a cell connection when the message is scheduled to be sent, because the device has to send the message. On the iPhone, Send Later will work whether the device has a connection or not, because it is not sent from your device and Apple has the message on their servers, so it can send it out at that time to other iMessage users.

Jbr_252 wrote:

Exactly what I did too! I send myself notes and reminders all the time. Tested it there and it was missing

Tap the + in the upper right and you will have the Send Later option when sending to another iMessage user. Never seen an option to Send Later a message to myself, although I do use the Reminders app for that and find it much easier to tell Siri to remind me of something whenever I want. Don't even need to leave the Messages app or choose the time with any UI.

twizzler212 wrote:

I had an android and the “Send Later” option was available for all my contacts. I used it daily and constantly! Changed to an iPhone 16, and this feature has limited usage - only available with other iMessage contacts. So disappointing! I wished I kept my android!

No one is stopping you from going back to Android.

Updates to ios 18.0.1 for one icons are still messed up but most importantly send later hasn't been fixed or resolved either.

I had the same problem, and contacted Apple about it. I think it will be fixed eventually. To note though, this feature does work on iPad, but does not work on iMac or iPhone.

Both Apple devices have to be running the latest IOS for it to work. I can’t see it for a person that I know has an Iphone6s with the latest available iOS for “that” phone and it doesn’t show up.

Same as you 18.3.1. When you open a new message you must click on the + before entering ANY text our the Send Later option won’t be there. 🤞🤞

Still an issue, still only works with iphone users.

on my ios18 phone I use the Shortcuts app and the Automation tab to get round this shortcoming.

Even their own support site says this should work regardless I can only use send later with one contact out of 200+ contacts which also means roughly 1 out of 200 people I know actually uses iphone and Imessages who's not me. I'm not buying a apple device for all these people apple needs to fix their own problem I already bought my mom a iphone to reduce compatibility issues between her and I. Please fix the send later feature to match your own support page.

This feature worked after I upgraded to iOS 18...today (2 days later), it's gone. I've tried testing it on multiple recipients (iPhone and Android users) and myself. Additionally, I've restarted the phone to no success. The ability to schedule texts was one of the key features that kept me on Android for years...please fix this ASAP

I talked to Apple Support regarding this and apparently this is what they said!! (They were constantly asking about the recipient’s software and whether they have toggled on the iMessage, how stupid!! As if I’d ask all this from the recipient before scheduling my message) Super disappointed.

you are a truly awesome person hadn't thought to contact support directly. and you are 100% that we are comprehending that "Any Device" means just that any device that has cell or texting services is what is supposed to be supported just like it is on android. on android you can schedule messages no issues doesn't matter if they're on a nokia phone from the early 2000s or if they're on a iphone just works. after this ordeal because i only have one or two friends with iphone i am switching back to androids.

The send later feature was my fav part of the iOS 18 update. It worked great the first couple days. Then a week later it scheduled but didn't send until I went into the messages and sent it. What good is the feature if I have to go back in and send..? Now the option is gone. I've read thru this feed and STILL no response from Apple? Really?

Im switching to android. I've been peeved over a few IOS short comings, ex: I have my read messages turned off, yet it still shows people when I've read a message. C'mon Apple, get your tech together!!

Tried all options provided in this forum. The fact that it doesn’t work when texting non iPhone users shows the low level of developer intelligence.

This is my first iPhone, BIG MISTAKE. I HATE it. Will not buy another one.

My Samsung S8 had this ability in 2018 regardless of the recipients phone make and model.