WhatsApp begins testing paid ‘Plus’ tier with customisation features
WhatsApp has started testing a new paid tier called WhatsApp Plus, as Meta looks to add subscription revenue across its apps. The feature is now live for a limited set of Android beta users, as reported by WABetaInfo with a broader rollout and iOS support expected later.
This has been in the works for a while. Meta has already begun experimenting with paid features on Instagram, and WhatsApp is now following a similar path. The key difference is in how it’s being introduced: WhatsApp Plus sits on top of the existing app, rather than changing what users already get for free.
Show Full Article
Key premium features of WhatsApp Plus
The features focus on customisation for users seeking more control over the app’s appearance and organisation.
- Premium stickers: New sticker packs, some with full-screen animated effects that even non-subscribers can see.
- Theme customisation: A set of 18 accent colours that replace WhatsApp’s default green across the interface.
- Alternate app icons: 14 icon styles, from clean minimal looks to more stylised, textured options.
- More pinned chats: The limit jumps from 3 to 20, which makes a difference for users juggling a lot of conversations.
- Extra ringtones: A small set of exclusive tones for calls and notifications.
- Bulk chat controls: Apply themes and notification settings across entire chat lists in one go.
None of this changes how messaging works. The focus is clearly on how the app looks and how much control users have over it. WhatsApp plans to add further features based on user input, indicating the offering will develop over time.
WhatsApp Plus pricing and availability
Right now, WhatsApp Plus is only visible to a small group of Android beta testers. Pricing varies by region, but early indications point to a low monthly fee of around USD 2.99 (about Rs 250), depending on the market. It follows a standard subscription model with auto-renewal. Users can cancel at any time, and some may see a free trial to try the features before committing. A wider rollout will depend on how this testing phase goes. iOS support is planned, but there’s no timeline yet.
What stays free?
The core WhatsApp experience isn’t changing. Messages, voice and video calls, and status updates remain free. End-to-end encryption also stays in place, so privacy isn’t part of the trade-off here.
This puts WhatsApp Plus closer to what Telegram has done with its premium tier, giving optional extras without locking away the basics. For most users, the free version meets everyday requirements effectively, particularly when compared to alternatives like Signal, which provides similar core features at no cost. The subscription may appeal primarily to those who value extensive personalisation; otherwise, free customisation options from app stores can achieve similar results without ongoing payments. However, users managing many conversations might benefit from the expanded pinning and bulk tools during a trial period.
