Meta launches WhatsApp Plus subscription for Android beta testers

WhatsApp has officially begun testing a significant expansion of its revenue strategy with the introduction of WhatsApp Plus, a new optional subscription tier appearing for Android beta users.

This development follows the recent debut of "Instagram Plus" and represents a broader effort by Meta to monetise its suite of messaging applications.

Unlike previous professional tools aimed at enterprises, WhatsApp Plus is designed for personal users, focusing heavily on aesthetic personalisation and advanced chat organisation.

According to reports from industry insiders at WABetaInfo, the subscription provides a range of exclusive features:

• Enhanced Customisation: Access to 18 new chat themes and 14 alternative app icons, ranging from minimalist designs to textured finishes.
• Superior Organisation: The ability to pin up to 20 chats, a massive increase from the standard limit of three.
• Premium Media: Exclusive animated stickers with full-screen overlay effects and 10 unique ringtones for incoming calls.
• Bulk Management: Advanced "Custom Lists" that allow subscribers to categorise and manage multiple group settings simultaneously.

Meta is adopting a "low-cost" model to encourage widespread adoption across its global user base. Pricing for the service is expected to be approximately PKR 229 per month in Pakistan, $29 MXN in Mexico, and €2.49 in Europe.

Despite the introduction of a paid layer, the core functionality of the app—including text messaging, voice calls, and end-to-end encryption—remains entirely free for all users.

While currently limited to a small percentage of Android testers, a global rollout to iOS and desktop platforms is anticipated for later this year as Meta gathers feedback from this initial phase.