WhatsApp has begun testing a paid subscription service, branded as WhatsApp Plus, in select regions, including Pakistan, according to information shared by feature-tracking site WABetaInfo.
The subscription is not yet available to all users, but early testing data shows that WhatsApp Plus will be priced at Rs. 230 per month in Pakistan.
The service is expected to cost €2.49 per month in Europe and MXN 29 per month in Mexico, making Pakistan one of the lower-priced markets, similar to regional pricing models used by services such as Spotify and Netflix.
WABetaInfo, which monitors WhatsApp’s beta releases and early feature rollouts, reported that the premium plan will introduce cosmetic and customization-focused features rather than changes to core messaging functionality.
Additional features for subscribers
According to test builds, WhatsApp Plus subscribers will gain access to premium stickers, additional app themes, custom app icons, extended chat pinning, premium ringtones and bulk chat settings.
Subscribers will be able to pin up to 20 chats, compared with three pins on the free version, allowing for easier organisation of frequent conversations.
Premium stickers and visual effects
The premium plan includes exclusive sticker packs available through the in-app sticker store. Some of these stickers feature enhanced visual effects, including animated overlays that appear across the chat screen. Recipients will see the same visual effects even if they are not subscribed to WhatsApp Plus.
Expanded themes and icons
WhatsApp Plus also unlocks extended theme customisation, offering 18 additional colour options, including shades such as Vibrant Blue, Royal Purple, Deep Navy, Forest Green and Coral Orange.
The subscription further introduces 14 new app icons, ranging from minimalist pastel designs to textured and stylised options, including glitter, glow and cosmic-inspired visuals.
Bulk chat settings
Another feature under testing allows users to apply themes, notification tones and call ringtones across multiple chats simultaneously. When new chats are added to a selected list, the chosen settings are applied automatically.
Limited rollout continues
WhatsApp Plus remains in the testing phase and is currently available only to a limited number of users running the latest beta version of WhatsApp on Android. An iOS rollout is expected at a later stage, though no timeline has been announced.
WhatsApp has not yet confirmed when the subscription service will be rolled out publicly or whether pricing or features may change before a wider launch.
