WhatsApp is preparing an optional premium subscription called “WhatsApp Plus,” according to a beta discovery by WABetaInfo. The plan may include exclusive stickers, themes, custom icons, new ringtones and the ability to pin up to 20 chats. Meta said core messaging, calls and encryption will remain free for all users.
For the first time in its history, WhatsApp is preparing to charge individual users for an optional premium tier - a landmark shift for a platform that has been entirely free since its inception in 2009.
WhatsApp's subscription plan, internally referred to as 'WhatsApp Plus,' was spotted in the Android beta version 2.26.9.12 by WABetaInfo - a widely cited tracker of upcoming WhatsApp features. According to WABetaInfo, the premium plan's first feature set will include exclusive stickers, app themes, app icon customisation, and a dedicated set of new chat ringtones. The premium plan is expected to include 10 ringtones, though this number may change before the official release.
Users will also be able to pin more than three chats - raising the ceiling to up to 20 pinned conversations - a significant change for power users who juggle multiple important contacts.
The feature set is described as a first wave, with more additions expected as WhatsApp collects subscriber feedback over time. The exacct pricing and rollout timeline has not been revealed.
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