WhatsApp is developing a new paid subscription service called WhatsApp Plus. This has raised questions among users about whether they will now have to pay to use WhatsApp. However, Meta has clarified that this service will be completely optional, and regular users will still be able to access the free messaging and calling features as before.
The primary focus of WhatsApp Plus is to provide users with options for personalising their app. Subscribers will have access to special stickers, favourite ringtones, new themes, and the ability to change app icons. An important feature of WhatsApp Plus is the ability to pin up to 20 chats, a limit that exists in the standard version of the app. Notably, any changes made to themes and wallpapers will only be visible to the user, so the appearance of chats for others will remain unaffected.
Regarding pricing, it is reported that the monthly fee in Pakistan may be around Rs 230. This pricing model is similar to those used by Spotify and Netflix, where costs are adjusted according to local markets in different countries. Although some pricing information has also been leaked for Europe and Mexico, the company has not yet released an official price list.
This initiative by Meta aims to create new revenue sources from its applications, similar to the introduction of Instagram Plus. Recent figures indicate that Meta achieved a record revenue of over $200 billion in 2025, and the company plans to enhance this by offering additional features to its more than 3.5 billion users through WhatsApp Plus.
