WhatsApp Plus is undergoing beta testing with €2.49/month in Europe and $29/month in Mexico, offering customization options for heavy users. The tier includes premium sticker packs, alternate app icons (glitter, nebula, fuzzy purple), 20 pinned chats, 10 exclusive ringtones, and bulk theme customization. Recipients without the plan still see standard features, preserving end-to-end encryption and free core functionality.

Meta aims to monetize its apps, following Instagram’s $1–$2/month Plus tier with Story-focused perks like anonymous viewing and analytics. WhatsApp Plus is currently limited to Android beta testers, with iOS support and broader rollout planned. WhatsApp Business remains unaffected.

The move mirrors Meta’s strategy to expand subscription revenue, though pricing and features remain fluid. Analysts note this could fragment user experiences if free and paid tiers diverge significantly. For now, the test emphasizes personalization over functionality.

WhatsApp Plus’ success hinges on balancing premium appeal with its free model. Will users pay for aesthetics in a messaging app dominated by utility? The answer may shape Meta’s future monetization approach across platforms.