Trending Now - Whatsapp Trials Premium Subscription With Enhanced Features
WHO:
Techmeme - WhatsApp is the organization testing the new subscription service.
TechCrunch - Meta is the parent company of WhatsApp.
WHAT:
Engadget - WhatsApp Plus subscription will allow users to send premium stickers that can have special effects.
Engadget - WhatsApp Plus will enable users to change the app's theme and choose a custom app icon.
9to5Mac - WhatsApp Plus subscription is priced at about $2.99 per month, with a specific example showing €2.49 per month.
The Verge - WhatsApp Plus is currently only supported in WhatsApp Messenger, not WhatsApp Business.
9to5Mac - WhatsApp Plus is available for select beta testers at about $2.99 per month.
Engadget - WhatsApp Plus will allow users to apply custom settings in bulk to lists of chats.
The Verge - WhatsApp Plus is currently only supported in WhatsApp Messenger, not WhatsApp Business.
The Verge - WhatsApp Plus is currently focused on Android, with support for WhatsApp for iOS planned for a later stage.
Engadget - WhatsApp Plus will allow users to pin up to 20 chats and set a premium ringtone for certain contacts.
Engadget - WhatsApp Plus subscribers will have access to premium stickers that can have special effects and the ability to personalize the app's themes and icons.
Engadget - Subscription costs for WhatsApp Plus currently range from 229 Pakistani Rupees (less than $1) to €2.49 (around $3).
Engadget - Meta may offer one-month trials for interested users of WhatsApp Plus.
Techmeme - WhatsApp is testing a new subscription called WhatsApp Plus.
Techmeme - WhatsApp Plus includes features like expanded pinned chats, custom lists, and new chat themes.
TechCrunch - The subscription is described as mainly cosmetic.
WHERE:
Techmeme - The testing of WhatsApp Plus is being conducted by WhatsApp, which operates globally.
WHEN:
9to5Mac - The WhatsApp Plus subscription went live in the app’s Android beta in April 2026.
9to5Mac - The WhatsApp Plus subscription went live in the app’s Android beta in April 2026, with plans for a broader launch across iOS, Mac, and other platforms.
The Verge - Meta began testing a monthly Instagram Plus subscription in March 2026, focused on exclusive Story-related features.
TechCrunch - The testing of the subscription follows the debut of a similar subscription for Instagram earlier in 2026.
WHY:
TechCrunch - The introduction of WhatsApp Plus is part of Meta's strategy to generate subscription revenue from its user base.
Techmeme - The introduction of WhatsApp Plus is part of a trend where Meta is offering subscription services for its platforms, similar to Instagram Plus and Snapchat+.
HOW:
Techmeme - Users will be able to pay for customized icons, themes, ringtones, and more through the WhatsApp Plus subscription.
(UPDATED April 21, 2026 13:21 UTC)
WhatsApp Plus has officially launched its subscription service, allowing users to send premium stickers with special effects and customize the app's theme and icon. Priced at about $2.99 per month, this new feature is currently available in the Android beta version of WhatsApp Messenger, but not in WhatsApp Business. This move is part of Meta's strategy to generate subscription revenue from its vast user base.
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(UPDATED April 21, 2026 11:18 UTC)
WhatsApp Plus has officially launched for select beta testers at a subscription price of about $2.99 per month. This new version allows users to apply custom settings in bulk to lists of chats, enhancing the messaging experience. The subscription went live in the app’s Android beta in on Monday26, with plans for a wider rollout across iOS, Mac, and other platforms.
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(UPDATED April 21, 2026 05:42 UTC)
WhatsApp Plus is currently only supported in WhatsApp Messenger and not in WhatsApp Business, with a focus on Android for now, while support for iOS is expected in a later stage. Meanwhile, Meta began testing a monthly Instagram Plus subscription in March 20th26, which is centered around exclusive Story-related features. This development highlights the ongoing evolution of Meta's messaging and social media platforms.
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(UPDATED April 20, 2026 19:34 UTC)
WhatsApp Plus is set to introduce new features, allowing users to pin up to 20 chats and assign premium ringtones for specific contacts. Subscribers will also gain access to exclusive stickers with special effects and the ability to customize the app's themes and icons, with subscription costs ranging from less than a dollar to around three dollars. Additionally, Meta may provide one-month trials for those interested in exploring WhatsApp Plus.
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(UPDATED April 20, 2026 17:21 UTC)
WhatsApp is currently testing a new subscription service called WhatsApp Plus, which includes features like expanded pinned chats, custom lists, and new chat themes. This initiative follows the earlier launch of a similar subscription for Instagram and is part of a broader trend by Meta to offer subscription services across its platforms. Users will have the option to pay for customized icons, themes, ringtones, and other enhancements through the WhatsApp Plus subscription.