New Delhi: As reported earlier, WhatsApp may soon introduce a paid subscription option for its main messaging app. The feature is still under development and has not yet reached public users. Early details suggest the plan will focus on personalisation and convenience features rather than changing the core messaging experience.
The new plan is reportedly called WhatsApp Plus, and it could bring extra features to people who want more control over how the app looks and behaves. According to details reported by WaBetaInfo, the paid tier remains optional and the standard app will continue to work the same way for everyone.
WhatsApp Plus
WhatsApp has always kept its core messaging service free. Billions of people rely on it daily for calls, chats, and group conversations. Now the company appears to be exploring a subscription layer that adds extra features for users who want them.
The early report states, “WhatsApp is developing a new optional premium subscription plan for the standard consumer app that will offer users extra features in exchange for a monthly fee.”
This plan is still under development for both Android and iOS devices. The company has not confirmed when it will launch or how much it might cost.
Customisation could become a big part of WhatsApp Plus
One of the biggest changes expected in WhatsApp Plus focuses on personalisation.
The report says users may get several visual customisation options. These include themes, icons, and interface colors.
The plan could include:
- Up to 14 different app icons
- Multiple accent color options
- Theme changes for the interface
The report explains that these tools aim to give users “more control over the look of the app.”
Honestly, this is something many people have asked for. I still remember friends installing unofficial WhatsApp mods years ago just to change themes or icons. A built in option might reduce that demand.
WhatsApp Plus: More pinned chats and exclusive ringtones
Another feature under development may help people manage conversations better.
WhatsApp currently allows users to pin three chats at the top of the inbox. The new subscription could increase this number significantly.
According to the report, “A premium feature to pin up to 20 chats instead of the standard limit of three will be included in the plan.”
This means users could pin 17 additional chats. That could help people who juggle work groups, family chats, and personal conversations all at once.
Subscribers may also receive exclusive ringtones designed specifically for WhatsApp calls. These ringtones would help users recognise incoming calls from the app more easily.
Stickers and message reactions may expand
The subscription tier may also include additional visual features inside chats.
Some early ideas mentioned in the report include:
- Exclusive sticker packs for subscribers
- New reaction styles for messages
These additions aim to make conversations feel more expressive for users who choose the paid plan.
Free WhatsApp features will stay unchanged
One thing the report clearly highlights is that the core messaging experience will remain free.
It states that “WhatsApp Plus is completely optional.”
Users will still be able to send messages, make calls, share media, and join group chats without paying anything. Privacy tools and security features will remain available to everyone.
At the moment, WhatsApp has not confirmed the pricing or release date for this subscription plan. Features could still change before the company rolls it out more widely