WhatsApp is testing a new premium tier called WhatsApp Plus, marking its first real step toward a paid model for individual users. The WhatsApp Plus subscription introduces extra features focused on customization and chat management, while keeping messaging, voice calls, and video calls completely free.
This approach keeps the core experience unchanged while layering optional upgrades on top. Instead of limiting existing features, WhatsApp is offering additional controls for users who want more flexibility in how the app looks and behaves. The WhatsApp Plus subscription is currently in limited testing, but it signals a clear shift toward optional in app monetization.
The WhatsApp Plus subscription focuses on personalization and usability rather than adding new ways to communicate. Early features show an emphasis on making the app more adaptable, especially for users managing a large number of conversations daily.
- Pin up to 20 chats: Subscribers can pin up to 20 conversations, a significant increase from the three chat limit for free users. This makes it easier to keep important chats accessible without scrolling.
- Custom themes and colors: Users can choose from 18 different color themes, including options like Royal Purple, Deep Navy, and Coral Orange. The selected theme is applied across the entire interface.
- Custom app icons: The subscription includes 14 alternate app icons, ranging from simple pastel styles to more detailed designs like neon effects and textured finishes.
- Premium animated stickers: Exclusive sticker packs include full screen overlay animations that are visible to recipients even if they are not subscribed.
- Exclusive ringtones: Subscribers get access to 10 additional ringtones designed specifically for WhatsApp calls.
Bulk chat list customization: Users can apply themes, notification sounds, and settings across entire chat lists, allowing for more efficient conversation management.
WhatsApp has confirmed that privacy and security remain unchanged. The WhatsApp Plus subscription does not affect end to end encryption, and all essential features remain free for users who choose not to subscribe.
Pricing is still being finalized, but early testing suggests a monthly cost of around €2.49 in Europe. Localized pricing is also being tested, with some builds showing a price near PKR 229 per month in Pakistan. The subscription renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the next billing cycle, and some users may get a free trial.
Availability is currently limited to select users running WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.15.11. The feature is rolling out gradually and is not available on WhatsApp Business. Support for iOS is expected at a later stage.
If the option is available, users can subscribe directly from within the app:
- Open WhatsApp Settings
- Tap Subscriptions
- Select WhatsApp Plus
- Tap Continue and confirm payment
- Complete the purchase through Google Play
Once subscribed, all features are unlocked automatically and can be managed from the same section in Settings. WhatsApp is also exploring additional features for the WhatsApp Plus subscription, suggesting the plan could expand further after its initial rollout.
(via WABetaInfo)
