techend
By Tanveer Ahmed :
WhatsApp is testing a new optional paid subscription service called “WhatsApp Plus”, introducing expanded personalisation tools and additional chat management features, according to reports.
The feature is currently in a limited test phase and is aimed at users who want more customisation options in their messaging experience. A Meta spokesperson said the experiment is designed to explore features that users may find valuable before any wider rollout.
Under the proposed subscription, users would be able to customise chat themes, notification tones, and app icons, alongside expanded organisational tools such as the ability to pin up to 20 chats, compared with the current limit of three in the free version.
The premium plan is also expected to include enhanced chat lists, additional interface themes and other personalisation options aimed at improving user control over messaging organisation.
According to industry reports, the subscription model would follow a monthly payment structure with automatic renewal, and pricing is expected to vary by region. Early estimates suggest potential charges of around €2.49 in Europe, with lower localised pricing in other markets, including Pakistan.
The company is reportedly offering a one-month free trial during the testing phase to gather user feedback before deciding on broader availability.
If launched, users would need to cancel subscriptions manually through app store settings at least 24 hours before renewal to avoid charges.
The move marks a notable shift in strategy for WhatsApp, which has historically remained free after briefly experimenting with subscription fees more than a decade ago before dropping them following its acquisition by Meta in 2016.
While still in testing, the development suggests Meta is exploring new revenue streams through optional premium features, as competition in the messaging and social media space continues to intensify.
About The Author
