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For years, a quiet trend has followed WhatsApp everywhere it goes. Power users downloading unofficial mods just to tweak the look and feel of the app. New icons. Custom colors. More pinned chats. Small changes, maybe—but enough to convince millions of people to step outside the official ecosystem.
Now it looks like WhatsApp may finally be preparing an answer of its own.
Recent findings from beta builds, first reported by WABetaInfo, suggest that Meta is experimenting with a paid tier called WhatsApp Plus. And unlike past cosmetic tweaks, this one appears designed specifically for users who want more control over how the messaging app looks and behaves.
The subscription is still in development across both Android and iOS, and there’s no official launch date or pricing yet. Still, early glimpses of the feature set paint a clear picture: WhatsApp Plus is all about customization and convenience.
Subscribers could gain access to a set of 14 alternative app icons, letting users change how WhatsApp appears on their home screen. Inside the app, interface themes and customizable accent colors would allow deeper personalization of the chat environment.
But the biggest practical upgrade might be chat management. The limit for pinned conversations—currently capped at three—could jump dramatically to twenty for Plus users. For people juggling work groups, family chats, and community threads, that alone could make the subscription appealing.
Extras may not stop there. Beta information suggests WhatsApp Plus could also introduce exclusive ringtone collections and sticker packs unavailable to standard users. More perks may be added over time as the service evolves.
Why Meta Is Experimenting With Subscriptions
This move doesn’t exist in isolation. Earlier this year, Meta confirmed plans to explore premium subscription models across several of its platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. The strategy is straightforward: introduce optional paid features that expand creativity and productivity while leaving core services free.
That approach has already appeared in other Meta products. Facebook and Instagram began offering ad‑free subscription tiers in parts of Europe and the UK. Meanwhile, WhatsApp already runs a paid program called Meta Verified for businesses, priced around $15 per month.
WhatsApp Plus, however, seems aimed at everyday users rather than companies. In many ways, the concept mirrors Telegram Premium—where the basic messaging service remains free but subscribers unlock enhanced customization and extra capabilities.
Some beta testers have reportedly noticed a waitlist banner inside WhatsApp’s settings menu, hinting that Meta may be preparing early trials. Even so, pricing details remain a mystery, and the company hasn’t indicated when a public rollout might happen.
One thing appears certain: the standard WhatsApp experience isn’t going anywhere. Messaging, voice and video calls, media sharing, and end‑to‑end encryption will remain free. WhatsApp Plus would simply sit on top of that foundation—optional, cosmetic, and aimed squarely at users who want their messaging app to feel a little more personal.
Source: phandroid
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