WhatsApp Testing ‘WhatsApp Plus’ Premium Subscription: Themes, More Pinned Chats & Customisation Features

WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms, is reportedly experimenting with a new paid subscription tier called “WhatsApp Plus.” Unlike its existing business-focused paid tools, this upcoming premium plan is aimed at everyday users who want deeper personalization and control over their messaging experience.

🎨 Focus on Personalisation Over Core Features

Early reports suggest that WhatsApp Plus will prioritize cosmetic enhancements and UI customization, rather than introducing major functional upgrades.

Expected features include:

• Custom chat themes and color palettes
• Ability to change app icons
• Personalized ringtones and notification sounds
• Enhanced chat list organisation tools

This approach mirrors subscription models like Snapchat+ and Instagram add-ons, which focus on user experience rather than core functionality.

📌 More Pinned Chats: A Key Upgrade

One of the most practical features under testing is an increase in pinned chats:

• Current limit: 3 chats (free users)
• Expected with WhatsApp Plus: Up to 20 chats

This could significantly improve usability for users juggling multiple conversations—whether for work, family, or social groups.

💰 Expected Pricing and Trial Plans

While official pricing hasn’t been confirmed, early leaks suggest:

• Around €2.49/month in Europe
• Around PKR 229/month in Pakistan
• Possible free one-month trial for early users

If launched in markets like India, pricing is likely to be competitive to attract a large user base.

🚫 No Ad-Free Experience (For Now)

An important detail:
The subscription is not expected to remove ads from features like Status or Channels.

This means users are essentially paying for:

• Better customization
• Improved interface control
  —not an ad-free experience or major feature unlocks.

🧠 What This Means for Users

This move signals a shift in how Meta Platforms is monetizing WhatsApp—focusing on optional, non-intrusive premium features rather than charging for core messaging functionality.

It also reflects a broader trend where apps offer “lifestyle upgrades” instead of essential tools behind paywalls.

⚠️ Still in Testing Phase

As of now, WhatsApp Plus is not officially launched and remains under development/testing. Features, pricing, and availability may change before a global rollout.