WhatsApp has reportedly started rolling out a new premium subscription service called “WhatsApp Plus” for a limited number of iPhone users, introducing several personalization and chat management features aimed at power users.

The feature is currently being tested on select iPhones running the latest stable iOS version of the app. While core messaging, voice calls, and video calling features will continue to remain free, users looking for additional customization options may now choose to subscribe to the premium tier.

What Is WhatsApp Plus?

According to reports, WhatsApp Plus is designed to improve the overall user experience through enhanced personalization, organization tools, and exclusive visual features rather than restricting standard messaging services behind a paywall.

The subscription reportedly focuses on:

• Advanced customization
• Better chat organization
• Exclusive themes and stickers
• Enhanced notification controls

At present, the feature is only available to a limited number of iPhone users during the testing phase.

Features Included in WhatsApp Plus

Custom Themes and App Icons

Subscribers reportedly gain access to:

• 18 accent color themes
• Multiple interface styles
• 14 alternative app icons for the home screen

Users may be able to personalize the app with color options such as Royal Purple, Forest Green, and other premium designs.

Bigger Pinned Chat Limit

One of the most practical additions is the expanded pinned chat feature.

Currently, regular WhatsApp users can pin only three chats at the top of the inbox. Under WhatsApp Plus, this limit is reportedly increased to 20 pinned chats, making it easier to manage work, family, and important conversations simultaneously.

Exclusive Ringtones and Notification Sounds

The subscription also introduces premium sounds and ringtones unavailable to standard users.

Some reported ringtone names include:

• Tempo
• Flux
• Carnival

These sounds are expected to help users customize notifications more extensively.

Premium Animated Stickers

WhatsApp Plus subscribers may also receive access to special animated sticker packs featuring overlay effects and enhanced visuals.

While all users can reportedly view these stickers in chats, only paid subscribers will be able to download and send them.

Custom Chat Lists and Themes

The premium version may also allow users to apply:

• Custom themes to chat categories
• Personalized notification tones
• Unified settings across entire chat lists

This could improve organization for users handling large volumes of conversations daily.

WhatsApp Plus Subscription Price

The service is reportedly rolling out first in selected European countries at a monthly subscription price of approximately EUR 2.49, which converts to around ₹274 in India.

Pricing may vary across countries as the feature expands globally.

Reports also suggest eligible users may receive free trial periods ranging from one week to one month before the subscription renews through the Apple App Store billing system.

Availability and Device Support

At the moment:

• WhatsApp Plus is reportedly limited to select iPhone users
• The feature is available only on the standard WhatsApp Messenger app
• WhatsApp Business has not yet received the feature

Users can reportedly check availability by opening the Settings section inside WhatsApp.

Standard WhatsApp Features Will Remain Free

WhatsApp has reportedly clarified that the regular app experience will continue to remain free for all users.

Core features such as:

• Messaging
• Voice calls
• Video calls
• Media sharing
• Group chats

will still be accessible without requiring any subscription.

The company appears to be positioning WhatsApp Plus as an optional premium upgrade for users interested in additional customization and convenience features rather than as a replacement for the free app experience.

As testing expands, more users worldwide may start receiving access to the subscription in the coming weeks.