Meta is testing WhatsApp Plus, a paid subscription for iPhone users that brings custom themes, animated stickers and more options for organizing conversations.
WhatsApp has fiercely defended its status as a free and simple online messaging app for over a decade, but a new paid subscription is changing that strategy.
Meta introduces WhatsApp Plus, a subscription-based model available for now to a limited number of iPhone users using the latest version of the app from the App Store.
What WhatsApp Plus actually offers
The list of benefits included in the WhatsApp Plus subscription seems more focused on visual customization than really useful features. First, subscribers get 18 accent colors that replace the app’s iconic green theme, Digital Trends writes.
In addition, users can choose from 14 alternative home screen icons. Other perks include premium animated sticker packs, 10 exclusive ringtones, and the ability to pin up to 20 conversations, up from the current limit of three — the only feature that could have any real practical impact.
Moreover, subscribers can apply uniform themes and notification tones for entire lists of conversations. However, the core WhatsApp experience remains unchanged, including end-to-end encrypted messages, calls, videos and status updates.
How much does WhatsApp Plus subscription cost?
In European markets, the subscription costs around 2.49 euros per month. Rates for the United States have not yet been announced, but they could range between $2.49 and $2.99 per month (about 11–13 lei).
Depending on the region, eligible users may also benefit from a one-week or one-month free trial period.
For now, the WhatsApp Plus subscription is billed monthly through the App Store. Currently, WhatsApp Business accounts do not have access to this service, although precisely this category of users would be the most likely to pay for premium features.
