WhatsApp launches a paid plus subscription — here’s what it includes

WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new paid subscription called WhatsApp Plus for iPhone users, marking one of the platform’s biggest personalization updates in years.

After a limited beta testing phase, the feature is now reaching some users through the regular Apple App Store version of the app.

What WhatsApp Plus Adds

The new subscription focuses mainly on interface customization and expanded personalization tools rather than core messaging features.

Subscribers gain access to several exclusive options, including:

Exclusive stickers — new sticker packs featuring fullscreen animations. Even users without the subscription will still be able to view them correctly. Custom interface colors — 18 accent color themes instead of WhatsApp’s standard green design. Alternative app icons — 14 different home screen icon styles. Expanded pinned chats — the limit increases from 3 pinned chats to 20. Advanced notification customization — additional ringtones and the ability to assign separate themes, sounds, and notification settings for individual chats.

The subscription appears designed for users who want a more personalized and visually customizable version of the messenger without changing its core functionality.

Pricing and Availability

In Europe, WhatsApp Plus is priced at €2.49 per month, though pricing may vary depending on the region.

Some users are also being offered free trial periods lasting either one week or one month.

At launch, the subscription is available only for standard personal accounts. Users of WhatsApp Business currently cannot subscribe.

What Remains Free

WhatsApp says all essential messaging features will remain completely free for everyone.

That includes:

text messaging voice and video calls status updates end-to-end encryption

The company is positioning Plus as an optional cosmetic and convenience-focused upgrade rather than a paywall for core communication tools.

Limited Rollout for Now

At the moment, WhatsApp Plus is only available to a limited number of iOS users as part of a gradual rollout.

A broader release is expected soon, and the subscription will likely expand to Android devices afterward.

In Brief

WhatsApp has officially introduced a paid Plus subscription aimed at users who want deeper customization options inside the app.

For €2.49 per month, subscribers receive new interface colors, alternative app icons, expanded pinned chat limits, exclusive stickers, and more advanced personalization settings. Core messaging features, including encrypted chats and calls, remain free for all users.

The rollout is currently limited to a small group of iPhone users, with wider availability expected in the near future.

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