WhatsApp is testing a paid subscription tier called WhatsApp Plus, which offers enhanced personalization features for a monthly fee. The rollout began in April 2026 with a limited group of Android users in Europe, according to reports from tech news outlets tracking the development.
The subscription, priced at 2.49 euros per month in Europe, provides access to additional customization options not available in the free version of the app. These include 18 latest accent color choices for the interface, the ability to pin up to 20 chats, and expanded storage management tools. Core messaging functions such as sending messages, making voice and video calls, and end-to-end encryption remain free for all users.
WhatsApp Plus is currently unavailable to iOS users and is not offered to WhatsApp Business accounts. Access is restricted to a small test group of Android users running the beta version 2.26.15.11 of the app. The subscription is billed monthly through Google Play and renews automatically unless canceled at least 24 hours before the next billing date.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has not announced a global launch date for the paid tier. However, reports indicate that the test phase will expand gradually to more Android accounts in the coming weeks. A free trial month is being offered to some early participants to evaluate the service before committing to a paid subscription.
The introduction of WhatsApp Plus marks a shift in the app’s monetization strategy, which has historically relied on business tools rather than consumer subscriptions. While the free version will continue to support essential communication features, the paid tier targets users seeking greater control over the app’s appearance and functionality.
As of April 22, 2026, no official statement from Meta or WhatsApp has confirmed the exact timeline for a broader rollout beyond the initial test group. Users interested in updates are advised to monitor official channels or trusted tech news sources for announcements regarding availability and pricing changes.
For now, the standard WhatsApp experience remains unchanged for the majority of users worldwide. Any future expansion of the paid tier will depend on feedback from the current testing phase and internal evaluations by Meta’s product team.
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