One of the main things stopping me from switching to one of the best dumb phones is the fact that I’m tied to WhatsApp. For better or for worse, I’m in countless group chats, and leaving them behind would make me a social pariah. Though if a monthly WhatsApp subscription rolled out, though, I’d be tempted to drop it entirely.
On that note, according to reports via WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is testing a new paid tier called WhatsApp Plus. If, like me, even the mere rumour of a WhatsApp subscription fills you with dread, don’t panic just yet – it appears to be an optional add-on, rather than a paywall for core features.
In its current beta form, the subscription reportedly leans heavily into customisation, with premium sticker packs, full-screen animations, new accent colours that replace WhatsApp’s signature green, and a selection of alternative app icons – including more playful designs like glitter and nebula effects.
There are a few practical perks, too. The pinned chat limit reportedly jumps from three to 20, which could be useful if your message list is chaotic. You’ll also get exclusive ringtones and the ability to apply themes and notification settings across multiple chats in one go, rather than tweaking each thread individually.
Crucially, none of this is said to affect the core experience. Messaging, voice and video calls, status updates, and end-to-end encryption all remain free. This all sounds like a cosmetic and convenience upgrade, rather than a fundamental shift in how Meta monetises the app.
Pricing isn’t finalised, but the test version currently shows around €2.49 per month in Europe, with other regions displaying different figures. A free trial is also reportedly on the table.
For now, WhatsApp Plus is limited to a small number of Android beta users. A wider WhatsApp subscription rollout could follow if Meta decides to push ahead, with iOS support likely to come later.
I certainly won’t be forking out yet another subscription for a few visual add-ons, but I’m happy that the core functionality will remain free, for the time being, at least.
Read the full article here
