WhatsApp is preparing to roll out a latest premium subscription tier, “WhatsApp Plus,” offering users access to exclusive features, including a collection of new ringtones. The update, currently in beta testing for Android version 2.26.9.12, signals Meta’s continued effort to monetize the messaging platform while adding value for its most engaged users. The move comes as WhatsApp also begins displaying advertisements within its “Updates” section, a shift that has drawn scrutiny from privacy advocates.
The planned subscription service, first reported by WABetaInfo, will initially offer ten exclusive ringtone options for subscribers. While WhatsApp already allows users to customize their call notification sounds, WhatsApp Plus will provide a dedicated selection of premium tones not available to standard users. This feature is part of a broader strategy to differentiate the premium offering and attract paying customers.
Expanding Features for Paying Users
Beyond the new ringtones, WhatsApp Plus is expected to include additional features designed to enhance the user experience. One confirmed addition is the ability for subscribers to pin up to 20 chats to the top of their chat list, providing quick access to critical conversations. This represents a significant increase from the current limit of three pinned chats available to all users.
The introduction of WhatsApp Plus follows a period of experimentation with monetization strategies. In recent weeks, WhatsApp has begun displaying advertisements within the “Updates” section of the app, similar to Instagram and Facebook’s Stories feature. These ads are currently rolling out to users on both Android and iOS, marking a significant change for a platform that has historically prioritized a clean, ad-free interface.
A History of Growth and Acquisition
WhatsApp’s journey from a simple messaging app to a global communication giant began in 2009, founded by Jan Koum and Brian Acton as a status-update alternative. The platform quickly gained popularity for its simplicity and reliability. In 2014, Facebook (now Meta) acquired WhatsApp for approximately $19 billion (roughly €16 billion at the time), one of the largest acquisitions in tech history.
Since the acquisition, WhatsApp has continued to grow its user base, reaching over three billion active users per month as of early 2025. This widespread adoption has made it one of the most popular messaging apps worldwide, connecting people across borders and facilitating billions of conversations daily.
The introduction of WhatsApp Plus and the integration of advertising represent a significant shift in Meta’s strategy for the messaging app. While the core functionality of WhatsApp will remain free for all users, the premium subscription offers a pathway for dedicated users to support the platform’s development and access exclusive features. The company has not yet announced pricing details for WhatsApp Plus, but further information is expected in the coming weeks.
As WhatsApp continues to evolve, users can expect further refinements to the platform and the introduction of new features. Meta has indicated that it will continue to explore ways to monetize WhatsApp while maintaining its commitment to privacy and security. The next major update is expected to focus on refining the advertising experience and gathering user feedback on the initial rollout of sponsored content.
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