WhatsApp to go premium with new Plus subscription

Meta is testing a paid subscription tier for WhatsApp called WhatsApp Plus, currently in limited Android beta. For around $2.99/month, subscribers get cosmetic perks like premium stickers with effects, customisable themes and icons, up to 20 pinned chats, premium ringtones, and custom chat-list controls. Core messaging, calling, and end-to-end encryption remain free. The subscription is additive and optional, not a paywall. Meta confirmed the test but has not announced broader availability. The move aligns with Meta's wider strategy to introduce paid tiers across Instagram and Facebook as well.