WhatsApp is quietly testing a paid tier called WhatsApp Plus

WhatsApp appears to be preparing a paid subscription tier called WhatsApp Plus, and early signs are now visible in the latest Android beta.

The feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo, with a limited number of users already able to access the subscription interface. At this stage, the rollout remains restricted, though it is expected to expand to iOS, Mac, and other platforms once testing is complete.

WhatsApp Plus features and pricing

Based on what’s currently available, WhatsApp Plus leans heavily toward customization and minor usability upgrades rather than changes to the core messaging experience.

The features listed in the beta include premium sticker packs, custom themes, and the ability to change the app icon. It also offers extra chat pins, premium ringtones, and more control over how chat lists are organized.

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Pricing appears to be set at around $2.99 per month, though regional variations are already showing up. One example from Europe lists the subscription at €2.49 per month, suggesting that localized pricing will be part of the rollout.

What this means for WhatsApp

The introduction of WhatsApp Plus fits into Meta’s broader shift toward subscription-based features across its apps. Early tests on Instagram pointed in this direction, and WhatsApp now seems to be following a similar path.

The encouraging part is that the current feature set makes it clear that WhatsApp is not putting core messaging behind a paywall. The subscription is positioned as an optional layer, focused on personalization and small enhancements rather than essential functionality.

There’s still no official timeline for a wider release, though the presence of a working subscription inside the beta suggests the feature is moving beyond early experimentation.

Would features like custom themes and extra chat controls be enough for you to pay for WhatsApp Plus, or would you rather stick with the free experience? Let us know in the comments below.