Meta has officially begun testing an optional premium tier called WhatsApp Plus subscription, promising users a highly personalized messaging experience. This new service, currently rolling out to select Android beta testers, is confirmed by Meta to include advanced customization and expanded chat functionalities, with iOS support expected soon. Subscribers to the WhatsApp Plus subscription can look forward to pinning up to 20 chats, a significant upgrade from the standard three.

Aesthetic enhancements are a major draw, offering 18 custom app themes, 14 unique app icons (including cosmic nebula and sculpted green clay designs), and 10 exclusive ringtones. Additionally, premium animated sticker packs with screen-expanding effects will be available, visible even to non-subscribers. While Meta hasn’t finalized pricing, reports from WABetaInfo suggest a low-cost model, with an estimated €2.49 per month in Europe, PKR 229.00 in Pakistan, and $29.00 in Mexico.

Importantly, core features like messaging, voice calls, and end-to-end encryption will remain completely free. The WhatsApp Plus subscription will not remove ads from the Status feature, nor will it extend to WhatsApp Business accounts. A one-month free trial is also reportedly being offered to some users.