• Additional customization options and a more flexible user experience
• Limited availability for now with a low-cost monthly fee and a trial phase

WhatsApp has launched a new experimental update introducing an optional subscription plan called “WhatsApp Plus”, aiming to expand the app’s capabilities and deliver a more personalized experience for users without affecting its free core services.

Paid plan to enhance the experience without changing the core

WhatsApp is currently testing this plan in a limited Android beta version, allowing subscribers to access a set of exclusive features in exchange for a modest monthly fee.

Despite this, the company confirms that essential functions such as messaging, voice calls, and video calls will remain free for all users, with end-to-end encryption still fully applied across all conversations.

New customization and control features

“WhatsApp Plus” introduces advanced personalization tools, including the ability to change the app’s interface using 18 different colors, as well as selecting from 14 new app icon designs ranging from classic to artistic styles.

The plan also allows users to pin up to 20 chats at the top of the list, compared to the current limit, making it easier to access important conversations without constant scrolling.

Exclusive stickers and visual effects

Among the notable additions, the plan includes exclusive sticker packs, some featuring animated effects that appear when sent and are visible even to non-subscribers.

Advanced tones and chat settings

The benefits also include 10 exclusive ringtones, along with the ability to apply unified settings across chat lists, such as a shared theme or notification tone for all conversations within a specific group.

Pricing and availability

Early data suggests a subscription price of around €2.49 per month in Europe, with variations depending on the country, indicating a relatively low-cost model. Some users may also receive a one-month free trial.

Limited rollout and expansion plans

“WhatsApp Plus” is currently available to a limited number of Android users via the Google Play Store, with plans to expand to iOS later. The company emphasizes that the subscription remains fully optional and will not affect the experience of non-subscribing users.

WhatsApp also plans to continue developing additional features for the program in the future, relying on user feedback to refine and expand the service before a wider official rollout.