WhatsApp to Launch New Paid Subscription Service for Android and iOS

WhatsApp Plus: Everything You Need to Know About the New Paid Subscription

WhatsApp is currently working on an optional paid monthly subscription called WhatsApp Plus, which will include many new features for users. This plan will include enhanced features or more customization than the current free version.

Although the app will offer additional features and customizations to the users who choose to pay for the subscription. The service is currently being tested on both Android and iOS platforms, however, it is not yet publicly available. Below we take a look at the details of this new tier and how it will affect the user experience.

 


An Optional Upgrade

The number one thing you need to know about this subscription is that it's completely voluntary. Users who do not want to pay will continue to access all the same functionality currently available to them for free (at least for now), including the basic features of WhatsApp including:

  • Send/receive messages
  • Make voice/video calls
  • Send/share photos/videos/documents
  • Create/participate in group chats
  • Access/ utilize all privacy & security features (including end-to-end encryption)

The subscription is meant to provide extras for those who want additional functionality, flexibility, and customization options.


New Visual and Interface Customization

With WhatsApp Plus, one of the primary focuses will be on enabling users to customize the way their application looks and feels than is possible with the free version. 

In addition to all of the standard features available in the free version, subscribers on WhatsApp Plus will have access to:

1. New Application Icons

You can expect to have between 10 and 14 new application icons tested for use to replace the WhatsApp icon and display it on your home screen.

2. New Themes & Accent Colors (Theme Colors)

You can now change colours, themes, and accent colour within the application. This allows users to have more control over the design and feel of the interface itself. These are in addition to the original appearance settings created in the free version.

In general, WhatsApp Plus has expanded the personalization options to allow subscribers to have even more choices between unique styles and colours to choose from. {alertInfo}


Exclusive Media and Interaction Features

In addition to aesthetic changes, subscribers also get some upgraded features that are helpful for power users:



3. Expanded chat pinning

Users currently can only pin three chats at the top of their list of chats; however, users subscribing to WhatsApp Plus will be able to pin 20 chats.

4. Exclusive media

Additionally, paid users will receive exclusive ringtones/notification sounds, new sticker packs that can only be obtained through this subscription service, and unique reaction effects.


Overall Experience and Future Additions

WhatsApp Plus's main purpose is to provide all users with free basic functions for communication and additional paid enhancements for users seeking increased functionality like:
  • Personalization of interface and ringtone
  • Organization via more pind chats
  • Expressiveness through exclusive stickers and enhanced reactions

WhatsApp Plus will continue to evolve in the future by adding:
  • More personalization options
  • More exclusive interaction and media options
  • Other helpful features for heavy users

These updates are intended to create a continuously improved user experience on WhatsApp Plus. {alertInfo}


Launch Details and Pricing

WhatsApp Plus is expected to launch very shortly as it is currently under beta testing on iOS and Android, The time frame is still subject to change depending on the progress of additional development/testing during the beta testing stage.

The exact price is yet to be disclosed, but it is expected that WhatsApp Plus will sell for about what Telegram Premium does (approx. $6/month). This would change significantly how the app provides access to all of its users worldwide.

Will you subscribe to WhatsApp Plus when it comes out?
Yes, I can't wait for it
No, I'll stick to my free subscription
Sorry, I don't use WhatsApp