WhatsApp Plus is rolling out new premium features

WhatsApp introduces an optional plan called WhatsApp Plus that offers new features for users who want a more personalized messaging experience. The update aims to expand the capabilities of the app while keeping its core functionality still accessible for everyone.

WhatsApp is exploring additional features with a subscription plan

In the post about the WhatsApp beta for Android 2.26.4.8 update, we announced a new, optional subscription plan that will provide access to exclusive features. This plan is called WhatsApp Plus, and it offers additional features by paying for a small monthly fee. Users can only access it on WhatsApp Messenger, as it does not support WhatsApp Business. The plan is optional and it is intended for those users who want to enhance their experience with additional features. It introduces several new options to customize the app and greater control over how users interact with WhatsApp.

Privacy and core features aren't affected by WhatsApp Plus

WhatsApp Plus does not change the core experience of the app. Messaging, voice calls, and essential features remain free and accessible to all users. Privacy protections are also unchanged, as end-to-end encryption is still applied to conversations, calls, and status updates. The optional plan is intended only to add extra features, without impacting how the app works at its core. Users who choose not to subscribe will continue to use WhatsApp as they always have. Now, WhatsApp is finally testing the premium plan with a limited number of users, making it possible to gather early feedback and evaluate how these additional features perform before a wider rollout.

WhatsApp Plus Premium Plan: Features, Pricing, and Availability

As you can see from the attached image, a limited number of users may have access to a new premium plan that introduces additional features beyond the standard app experience. By subscribing, users can access enhanced personalization tools, exclusive content, and extra functionality that can improve their experience. If the plan is available, the app settings will show the option to subscribe. The interface shows a price of €2.49 per month in Europe, although the cost may vary before a wider release. Other examples include PKR 229.00 per month in Pakistan and $29.00 per month in Mexico. This suggests that the subscription model is relatively low-cost.

Get premium stickers with WhatsApp Plus

The subscription plan offers access to exclusive stickers. Once subscribed, users can find a set of new sticker packs directly in the sticker store. From there, they can decide whether to download premium packs or not. Some premium stickers also include overlay animations that expand across the screen. When the subscriber sends a premium sticker, the recipient will also see the same visual effect, which appears as an animated layer that temporarily overlays the chat screen. This effect is visible even if the recipient does not have an active subscription.

Change your app theme with WhatsApp Plus

By subscribing to the premium plan, users can change their app theme by choosing from a set of 18 new color options. These include Vibrant Blue, Royal Purple, Deep Navy, Bright Lavender, Charcoal Grey, Coral Orange, Forest Green, Teal, Burgundy, and Earl Brown. Additional options include Sandy Beige, Emerald Green, Bright Yellow, Olive Green, Fuchsia Pink, Crimson Red, Sunset Orange, and Golden Yellow. This selection gives users a high level of flexibility to personalize the look and feel of the app. Once an accent color is selected, it is applied consistently across the entire application interface. This means that elements that were previously shown in the default green color will now be displayed in the chosen accent color.

Choose a custom app icon with WhatsApp Plus

Users can choose a different app icon for WhatsApp. The premium plan offers users a selection of 14 new icons. These icons range from classic designs to more artistic, textured versions. The top rows feature creative "premium" looks, including a default app icon, a sparkling glitter finish, a glowing electric blue effect, and a cosmic nebula theme. Other options provide unique tactile aesthetics, such as a sculpted green clay appearance and a soft, purple fuzzy texture. Users can also change the app icon by selecting an option with cleaner, minimalist circles in soft pastel shades like lavender, sky blue, and peach. Finally, it is possible to choose simple outlined versions in light green or a high-contrast black and white.

Pin up to 20 chats with WhatsApp Plus

Users with the premium plan can pin up to 20 chats for quick and easy access. The ability to pin extra chats allows users to keep important conversations always at the top of their chat list at all times. It helps users improve their chat list, especially for those who manage many conversations. Instead of keeping only 3 chats at the top of the screen, users can prioritize a much larger number of their chats and access them instantly without scrolling. Those who choose not to subscribe can manage their conversations by creating new lists.

Get premium ringtones with WhatsApp Plus

WhatsApp for Android already lets users choose a custom ringtone from their library. However, the premium plan also offers access to 10 exclusive ringtones as a way to further enhance personalization. These additional options provide users with more variety, so users can further personalize their calling experience. These ringtones are designed to be distinct, making it easier for users to recognize incoming calls at a glance.

Upgrade your chat lists with WhatsApp Plus

After subscribing to the premium plan, users can apply some settings in bulk to all chats and groups included in their lists. This means that WhatsApp applies a specific configuration to multiple conversations at once. For example, users can select a chat theme that automatically applies to all conversations within the list. When users add a new conversation to the list, WhatsApp instantly updates the chat theme to match the list settings. Notification tones for messages and ringtones for calls also follow the same rule. WhatsApp automatically adjusts them to the selected list preferences across all included chats.

WhatsApp Plus billing and automatic renewal policy

The premium plan billing follows a monthly subscription model with automatic renewal. The plan renews every month unless the user cancels it manually. WhatsApp charges users on the same date every month as the original purchase. To avoid being billed for the next cycle, users must cancel at least 24 hours before the next payment date. Users can cancel their subscription at any time from Google Play. Additionally, WhatsApp may offer some users a free one-month trial to test the plan.

WhatsApp is exploring more future features for the premium plan

We can announce that WhatsApp is currently exploring additional features to include in the premium plan in a future update. WhatsApp aims to make the premium plan more valuable over time by refining its offerings. User feedback is also important to better understand what people expect beyond the standard app experience. WhatsApp will likely add these new features as part of a second set within the same plan, and users might be notified when they become available.

The premium plan is available to a limited number of users

WhatsApp Plus is available to a limited number of users who install the latest updates of WhatsApp for Android from the Google Play Store. The premium plan is currently focused on Android, and support for WhatsApp for iOS is planned for a later stage. Note that subscribing is completely optional, and users who choose to do so will gain access to the additional features and customization tools included in the plan. Those who do not subscribe will continue using WhatsApp as usual, since WhatsApp has not moved any core features into the premium tier and the standard experience remains the same.

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