The WhatsApp* messenger, used daily by billions of people, may receive a new monetization format. The company is working on a paid subscription called WhatsApp* Plus, which will be available to Android and iOS users. This is not a separate app — it is an optional premium plan within the regular WhatsApp*, which you can install from Google Play.
Some WhatsApp features are becoming paid. Image: 9to5mac.com
What Is WhatsApp* Plus
WhatsApp* Plus is a new paid subscription being developed by the messenger’s team. It will be available directly within the standard app and will offer additional features in exchange for a monthly fee. The service is still in development, so the exact launch date and subscription price have not yet been announced.
The main goal of WhatsApp* Plus is to add capabilities that don’t affect the basic functionality of the messenger but make it more convenient and personalized. Essentially, the company wants to offer enhanced customization and additional minor features for users who are willing to pay for a more flexible interface and new communication elements.
What Features Will WhatsApp* Plus Include
One of the key features of the subscription will be enhanced interface personalization and additional minor features designed to make using the messenger more convenient. Developers are focusing specifically on appearance customization and small communication improvements. According to preliminary data, the WhatsApp* Plus subscription will include several additional capabilities:
- App appearance customization. Users will be able to change the theme, accent colors of the interface, and even the app icon. The set is expected to include around 14 different icons and several color schemes.
- Increased number of pinned chats. In the regular version of WhatsApp*, you can only pin three conversations. The subscription will increase this limit to twenty, which is especially convenient for those who actively use the messenger for work and communication.
- Exclusive ringtones. Subscribers will get access to a set of unique ringtones created specifically for WhatsApp*. This will make it easier to distinguish messenger calls from notifications of other apps.
- Exclusive stickers. The paid version may feature special sticker packs that won’t be available to regular users.
- More interactive message reactions. Developers are testing new types of reactions that may look more dynamic and make conversations more lively.
You can choose a color theme. Image:
WABetaInfo
More chats to pin. Image:
WABetaInfo
Exclusive ringtones are also coming. Image:
WABetaInfo
Overall, WhatsApp* Plus is focused not on changing the basic capabilities of the messenger, but on improving the user experience. The subscription adds exactly those features that make the app more convenient and personalized, without affecting the usual ways of communication.
Will WhatsApp Become Paid
It’s important to understand that WhatsApp* will not become a paid messenger. The WhatsApp* Plus subscription is completely voluntary and does not limit the free version of the app in any way. Users will be able to continue sending messages, making calls, sharing files, and participating in groups without any restrictions.
In fact, WhatsApp* is following the same path as many other services. Basic features remain free for everyone, while the paid subscription adds additional capabilities for personalization and convenience. This approach allows the service to be monetized without degrading the experience for regular users.
When Will WhatsApp Plus Be Released
Currently, WhatsApp* Plus is still in development. The company has not yet revealed the exact subscription cost or announced the launch date. It is also possible that some features may change or be expanded before the official release.
However, it is already clear that WhatsApp* is gradually beginning to experiment with paid features for regular users. If the subscription proves popular, more features related to interface personalization and expanded communication capabilities may be added over time.
*owned by Meta, recognized as extremist and banned in Russia
