WhatsApp is preparing a paid “Plus” subscription that adds extra customisation options to the app without changing how messaging or privacy works. The core chat experience will remain free, but users who opt in will get more control over how the app looks and feels.
The subscription is currently being tested on Android in select regions and is expected to roll out more widely in phases.
What You Actually Get With WhatsApp Plus
The focus here is not on new messaging tools, but on personalization. According to details shared by tracking platform WABetaInfo, the €2.49 monthly plan is designed around visual and interface upgrades.
Here’s what users can expect:
Users will be able to pin up to 20 chats at the top of their chat list instead of the usual three, making it easier to keep important conversations accessible.
The app will also introduce premium stickers, including ones with special effects for more expressive chatting.
Personalisation goes deeper with custom app themes and icons. Users can change how WhatsApp looks, moving beyond the standard green interface.
There will also be premium ringtones for specific contacts, along with custom alerts and notification sounds for chats.
On top of that, users can tweak chat lists with different themes and notification styles, giving more control over everyday use.
Design Customisation Takes Centre Stage
Another very noticeable change is that the user interface will have much more visual flexibility compared to what was originally available.
There could be as many as 18 different background colours and 14 different icons for apps used on WhatsApp, allowing users to create a completely different experience when using WhatsApp than what they originally experienced.
In essence, WhatsApp is responding to the ongoing trend of social media applications leaning toward the use of personalization to improve the user experience both visually and functionally.
Rollout and Availability
The WhatsApp Plus subscription is being rolled out gradually, starting with Android users first. iOS support may follow later, but there is no confirmed timeline yet.
Even on Android, access is limited right now and only available to select users who have updated to the latest beta versions. More users are expected to receive the option in the coming weeks.
The subscription option can be found inside Settings under Subscriptions once it becomes available.
Price and Limits
The expected price is around €2.49 per month in Europe, though pricing may vary by region. Early beta references suggest different regional pricing, including Pakistan and Mexico, but these are not final.
Each account can only have one active subscription, and it cannot be shared across users.
Importantly, this version is only for the main WhatsApp app and does not apply to WhatsApp Business.
Will WhatsApp Become Paid?
Despite the introduction of this paid tier, WhatsApp has confirmed that the core app will remain free. Basic messaging, calling, and video calling will not move behind a paywall.
The WhatsApp Plus version is positioned strictly as an optional upgrade for users who want more visual control and personalisation rather than additional communication features.
Also Read: WhatsApp Beta’s Latest Privacy Update To Username Instead of A Phone Number
