The company is making efforts to disrupt WhatsApp’s free-for-all policy by introducing a new premium package called “WhatsApp Plus”. The package is set to be rolled out soon, and its target market will include only high-profile users due to the advanced customisation features available.
A spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that the pilot is currently being rolled out to a limited number of Android beta testers, with an iOS version expected to follow shortly. The company has described the move as an optional way for users to “personalise their experience,” emphasising that they are starting small to ensure the new features offer genuine value before a wider launch.
For those willing to pay, the most practical upgrade is likely the expanded “pinned chats” feature. While standard users are currently limited to pinning just three conversations, subscribers will be able to keep up to 20 chats at the top of their list. The plan also leans heavily into aesthetics, offering 18 new accent colours — ranging from Forest Green to Fuchsia Pink — and 14 alternate app icons, including more abstract designs like cosmic nebulas and moulded clay styles.
Beyond the visuals, the package includes ten exclusive ringtones and a revamped sticker store featuring premium packs with full-screen animations. There are also functional “bulk” upgrades, allowing users to apply specific themes and alert tones to entire groups of people within their custom lists simultaneously.
While Meta has kept quiet on a final global price list, early leaks suggest a tiered regional strategy. According to reports from WABetaInfo, the subscription could be priced at a relatively modest €2.49 per month in Europe and PKR 229 in Pakistan, though a much higher figure of $29.00 has been cited for the Mexican market. It remains to be seen whether these prices are placeholders for the test phase or a true reflection of what users will eventually be asked to pay for a “premium” chat experience.
