WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.9.6: what's new?
WhatsApp has released a new Android update through the Google Play Beta Program, bringing the version up to 2.26.9.6.
What's new in this update? WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to join the waitlist for the premium plan, and it's available to some beta testers!
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the feature: | Join waitlist for subscription plan |
| Status: | Rolling out |
| Compatibility: | WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.9.6 has been designated as a compatible update, but some users may get the same feature by installing certain previous updates. |
| Availability info: | This feature is available to some beta testers, and it is rolling out to more users over the coming days. |
| Thanks: | Sc, Black Code, and Wawan, for testing and reporting. |
| Previous news: | WhatsApp is rolling out a feature to share status updates with unsaved phone numbers! |
WhatsApp is rolling out a waitlist for the premium plan
In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.4.8 update, we announced that an optional subscription plan is coming on WhatsApp. This functionality will provide access to exclusive features through a monthly fee. This doesn't mean WhatsApp will become a paid service, but WhatsApp wants to offer more features to customize the app for those who need them. All current features, including core privacy features, will remain free.
Now, it looks like WhatsApp is anticipating this feature by releasing an availability notification service. This will help users catch up on when the premium plan is available. Following the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.9.6 update, which is available on the Google Play Store, we discovered that WhatsApp is rolling out a feature that allows users to join the waitlist for the premium plan.
As you can see from the attached image, some beta testers may notice a banner within the sticker keyboard or at the top of the settings page. This banner informs them that their account is eligible for a notification service for the upcoming WhatsApp's premium plan. This service allows users to sign up for a waitlist that will notify them when the premium plan subscription is available. Note that this service isn't yet available to all users, but WhatsApp will extend the availability to more accounts over the coming weeks. This means that many users will be able to sign up for the waitlist at a later date.
Users involved in this initial phase can choose to sign up for the waitlist. However, signing up for the waitlist does not require them to automatically sign up for WhatsApp's paid plan when it becomes available. This feature is simply designed to notify users that their account is eligible for the new premium plan. Users may opt in to receive this notification by joining the waitlist without being required to subscribe once the plan is available. Enrolling in the waitlist for the premium plan is optional. The premium plan itself is also entirely optional. So users can continue using the app with its current features without any changes to their experience.
It's important to note that the upcoming WhatsApp's paid plan is constantly evolving. This means that while we currently know what it will offer, some features could change before the official release. What we know so far is that it will mainly offer access to exclusive stickers, new ringtones, and extra pinned chats. Other features may be added as WhatsApp collects feedback to improve the plan.
The most important feature available in the premium plan will let users change the app icon and accent color. WhatsApp has designed 14 new app icons to expand the selection. It will also offer the classic icon which was refreshed years ago, so users can switch back to the original look if they prefer. In addition, users will be able to select their preferred accent color from 19 options. When the app theme color is changed, certain interface elements will reflect the selection, including filters, tabs, floating action buttons, and more. Through these personalization features, WhatsApp aims to encourage users to subscribe when the premium plan is released in the future.
The feature that allows users to join the waitlist for the premium plan is available to some beta testers who install the latest WhatsApp beta for Android update from the Google Play Store. This feature is currently being rolled out to some beta testers in certain regions. This indicates that the waitlist service isn't yet available to everyone. Over the next few weeks, WhatsApp will allow more users to sign up for the waitlist. This will let everyone receive a notification when WhatsApp's premium plan becomes available.
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