Meta Launches Paid WhatsApp: What's New?

Meta is currently testing a premium subscription tier for its popular messaging application, branded as WhatsApp Plus. This new offering, first identified by WABetaInfo, introduces several features accessible only to paying subscribers.

Users opting for WhatsApp Plus can expect access to a collection of premium stickers that boast special visual effects. Furthermore, the service allows for a greater degree of app personalization, enabling users to customize themes and icons. These enhancements are accompanied by functional benefits, such as the ability to pin up to 20 chats and assign unique premium ringtones to specific contacts.

Despite these additions, Meta has emphasized that the core functionalities of WhatsApp, including sending messages, making voice and video calls, and the inherent end-to-end encryption, will continue to be available to all users without charge. This move follows Meta's exploration of similar premium models with Instagram Plus, which hinted at features like extended Stories duration and exclusive "super hearts."