Yes, you can schedule a text on an iPhone if it is running iOS 18 or later using the built-in "Send Later" feature in the Messages app. Here is how to do it:
- Open the Messages app and go to an existing conversation or start a new one.
- Tap the "+" icon next to the text field, then select "Send Later."
- Tap the time field to open the scheduler and choose when you want the message to send (up to 14 days ahead).
- The text field border will turn into a dashed line.
- Type your message and tap the send arrow to schedule it.
- The message will appear with a dashed border until it is sent.
The scheduled message will be sent even if your phone is offline or turned off, and your recipient will not know the message was scheduled. You can also edit, reschedule, or delete the message by touching and holding it before it is sent. If your iPhone runs an earlier iOS version than 18, you can use the Shortcuts app to automate sending a message at a specified time, but this method is more complex and less direct than the native scheduler.
