WhatsApp will start asking you to PAY to unlock its latest features in a monthly subscription service

Taylor Bushey
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:17:46 +0000

You could be paying for a WhatsApp subscription soon.

A Meta spokesperson told TechCrunch: “WhatsApp is testing a new, optional subscription called WhatsApp Plus, designed for users who want more ways to organise and personalise their experience.”

But it’s only available to a small group of Android beta users for now.

A beta is an early test version of a feature that’s released to a limited number of users before a full rollout. It helps the company spot bugs, gather feedback, and decide whether to launch it more widely. So at this stage, most people won’t see WhatsApp Plus yet.

According to WhatsApp's Help Centre, the paid subscription will include a range of customisation options — such as changing the app’s design and using exclusive ringtones.

However, your everyday messaging, calls, and privacy features like end-to-end encryption aren’t going anywhere — they’ll remain completely free for all users.

Here’s everything a WhatsApp paid subscription is expected to include.

After banning GBWhatsApp, WhatsApp officially got WhatsApp Plus feature.
by u/elly-hacen in whatsapp

For starters, you'll be able to personalise the app's theme, icon, and accent colours. From the eagle-eyed team at WABetaInfo, the above screenshot suggests that you'll be treated to a selection of 14 new icons and various colour choices.

This means if you're tired of the app's iconic green logo, you can switch it to something new — such as a navy blue or a lilac shade.

While you can currently pin your most important chats, you're limited to three at a time. This will now be expanded up to 20 different messaging threads.

If you use WhatsApp for both work and personal chats, the three-pin limit may not be enough. This extra allowance could come in handy if you're constantly scrolling down to locate the latest update on your family's group chat or are sifting through several threads to find important meeting information your colleague sent you a few days prior.

Several new ringtones have been spotted, too. These short melodies have been said to have their own "distinctive style." This expanded collection could help you differentiate your call notifications. For instance, if you're waiting to hear from a family member or friend calling, the specialised ringtone will alert you without you having to dig your mobile out of your bag.

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Meta hasn't officially announced pricing yet, but rumours suggest the subscription will cost around €2.49 per month in Europe, equating to roughly £2.16.

The plan follows a monthly billing model that renews automatically unless you cancel. A few lucky users might also get a free trial to test things out first.

This move is part of Meta's bigger plan to generate subscription revenue across its platforms, with Facebook and Instagram also reportedly getting paid tiers soon.

It's worth noting that WhatsApp Plus is only available for regular WhatsApp Messenger users, not those on WhatsApp Business.

iOS users will have to wait a bit longer, as support for Apple devices is expected to follow after the Android rollout.

WhatsApp has recently come out with a slew of new features in the last few months. For instance, a recent update adds "extreme protection" to your service. You have also been treated to new stickers, member tags, and special notifications when sending messages in your group chats.