We have been hearing about WhatsApp introducing a paid WhatsApp Plus subscription tier for its Android and iOS users for a while now. While we await an official announcement from Meta, some beta testers have already gotten a glimpse into the subscription tier and what features it brings, along with how much it could cost.
WhatsApp Plus Features (Leaked)
A new report shared by WABetaInfo gives us our first extensive look at the upcoming WhatsApp Plus subscription tier. Priced at 2.49 Euros (approximately Rs 300) per month, the new paid option primarily focuses on customisation and additional chat-based tool options. In the beginning, WhatsApp is also offering 1 month of WhatsApp Plus for free, giving users a taste of what they could be missing out on in the free version.
Six features will likely be part of WhatsApp Plus. For starters, WhatsApp Plus users could make use of premium stickers, which could mean paywall-locked sticker packs that paid users will be able to use via the sticker store. It is said to include both static and animated stickers and recipients will be able to view the stickers even if they do not have an active subscription.
Next, users will also gain the ability to change the app theme, accent colours and app icons. It will bring 18 new colour options - Vibrant Blue, Royal Purple, Deep Navy, Bright Lavender, Charcoal Grey, Coral Orange, Forest Green, Teal, Burgundy, Earl Brown, Sandy Beige, Emerald Green, Bright Yellow, Olive Green, Fuchsia Pink, Crimson Red, Sunset Orange, and Golden Yellow.
Image Credit: WABetaInfo
Image Credit: WABetaInfo
WhatsApp will also offer as many as 15 additional app icons for WhatsApp Plus users to choose from. Also, the paid themes are expected to change the overall UI and UX with buttons, menus and even chat screens following the set theming.
Another key addition to WhatsApp Plus could be expanded chat pin limits. Currently, the messaging app only allows three chats to stay pinned. However, with the paid plans, users could be upgraded to support as many as 20 pinned chats, making it easier for users to keep important conversations within reach.
Image Credit: WABetaInfo
Image Credit: WABetaInfo
Also, subscribers will be able to set 10 new exclusive ringtones, allowing users to personalise WhatsApp call alerts and flaunt their paid member status. They include Flutter, Tempo, Ripple, Quest, Drum, Murmur, Flux, Meadow, Bubble and Carnival. Lastly, with WhatsApp Plus, users will also be given the power to upgrade their chat lists. It could be similar to the unified WhatsApp chat setting for custom lists that was spotted recently as part of WhatsApp for Android beta 2.26.12.8.
That said, WhatsApp is yet to officially announce WhatsApp Plus or reveal the pricing of this paid tier for different regions. It is also unclear if there is going to be a single paid list or a multi-tier approach and if the new subscription plan will also go official in India. However, one thing is certain. With WhatsApp introducing a paywall imminently, a lot of the regular WhatsApp features might get shoved behind a paywall and also increase the frequency of Ads on WhatsApp.
-1120w630h.webp "WhatsApp Web Is Finally Getting Custom Chat Themes thumbnail")
-356w.webp "Infinix Note 60 Pro front and back in Mocha Brown")
