For nearly two decades now, WhatsApp has remained a simple, reliable, and free platform. Although it plans to maintain its simplicity and reliability, it could soon transition to a ‘freemium’ model.
WhatsApp will remain free for users that don’t want to pay for it, but those willing to shell out extra cash per month might soon unlock additional WhatsApp customization options that aren’t available to free users.
Late last week, WhatsApp was found to be working on an optional subscription plan that would help users avoid ads in the Updates tab. The in-development plan is reportedly limited to users in Europe and the UK. But that’s not the plan that’s going to give users additional customization options.
As spotted by the folks over at WABetaInfo in WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.4.8, the messaging app is testing out yet another optional subscription plan, and this is the one that’s meant to give users exclusive features.
Current unknowns: Pricing and availability
Credit:Â WABetaInfo
Whenever the plan does reach its near-rollout state, WhatsApp will open a waitlist for it. Users will see a banner asking them to join the waitlist, as seen in the screenshot above. “More ways to make WhatsApp yours. Get exclusive stickers, app themes, extra pinned chats and more when you subscribe,” reads the banner. WhatsApp will inform waitlisted users when they can subscribe.
For reference, WhatsApp currently lets users pin three chats only. The ‘premium’ subscription will let users pin several more, though a number hasn’t been given. Similarly, the nature of the extra stickers and themes isn’t clear just yet.
This is just the first set of early-development features. WhatsApp might add more (or potentially reduce) features by the time the subscription is ready to be rolled out.
The subscription’s price is currently unclear, and the same goes for its release timeline.
