WhatsApp is taking a new step to enrich the user experience. According to information revealed in the latest beta version, the company is working on a WhatsApp subscription plan that offers special privileges. This new model promises users a more personalized and advanced experience beyond the standard features. While the application’s core functions will remain free, WhatsApp aims to diversify its revenue model and offer more value to users with this optional subscription package.

What Will the WhatsApp Subscription Plan Include?

The latest Android 2.26.4.8 update, distributed through the Google Play Beta Program, contains significant clues about WhatsApp’s future paid features. This new subscription system, currently in development, will offer users a range of exclusive and premium functionalities designed to enhance the app’s existing capabilities and create a richer communication environment. According to the leaked information, the initial privileges available to subscribers will be:

• Premium Sticker Packs: Subscribers will gain access to exclusive and animated sticker sets not available to standard users.
• Advanced App Themes: It will be possible to personalize the app with different colors and designs, moving beyond WhatsApp’s classic green theme.
• More Pinned Chats: While the current limit is three pinned chats, subscribers will be able to exceed this limit to keep more important conversations at the top of their list.
• Custom Chat Ringtones: A new collection of ringtones, consisting of notification and call sounds designed exclusively for subscribers, is planned.
• Customizable App Icon: Users will be able to change the WhatsApp icon displayed on their phone’s home screen by choosing from several different alternatives.

These features introduce a level of personalization and flexibility that WhatsApp has not previously offered. The ability to change the app icon and themes, in particular, will allow users to tailor the application completely to their own tastes.

Currently, all of these features are in the development phase, and it appears WhatsApp will use a waitlist system to roll out the plan. Users can join this list to be among the first to be notified when the subscription plan becomes available. This approach will allow WhatsApp to release the feature gradually, gather user feedback, and optimize the system.

How Is It Different from the Existing Ad-Free Plan?

This new premium features subscription should not be confused with the ad-free ‘Updates’ tab subscription previously announced for users in Europe and the UK. That earlier plan was developed solely as a solution to remove ads from the tab containing Statuses and Channels. However, this new ‘WhatsApp subscription plan’ focuses on adding entirely new and exclusive functions rather than removing ads. Therefore, it is important to note that the two subscription models serve different purposes.

Meta’s move also highlights the company’s interest in subscription-based revenue models. After testing similar premium subscriptions on Instagram and Facebook, the company now aims to create a new revenue stream through WhatsApp. Nevertheless, WhatsApp officials emphasize that they will not compromise on their core principles. Private messaging and basic features will always remain free. Furthermore, user privacy will not be affected by whether they subscribe or not, and security standards like end-to-end encryption will remain the same for all users. This optional subscription will cater only to users who want to add an extra layer on top of the standard experience.

So, what are your thoughts on the new WhatsApp subscription plan? Share your opinions with us in the comments!