TechCrunch·Apr 20, 2026

📱WhatsApp Tests WhatsApp Plus with Custom Icons and Themes

Your WhatsApp bill is about to change

TL;DR

WhatsApp is testing a new paid tier called WhatsApp Plus, offering customized icons, themes, ringtones, and more. The test starts with a small group of users, but pricing remains unclear.

WhatsApp is testing a new subscription tier called WhatsApp Plus, which offers a range of customization options. Users can expect features like expanded pinned chats, custom lists, new chat themes, and more. The company hasn't specified pricing for the paid plan, but WABetaInfo suggests it might be priced at €2.49 per month in Europe or 229 PKR ($0.82) in Pakistan. A one-month free trial is being offered to users. This move could impact WhatsApp's business model, which now focuses on allowing companies to reach users and create click-to-WhatsApp ads.

WhatsApp Tests WhatsApp Plus with Custom Icons and Themes

Key Points

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1. WhatsApp Plus is priced at €2.49 per month for users in Europe.

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2. In Pakistan, the premium tier costs 229 PKR ($0.82), a significant markup from the standard service.

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3. The test group will have access to a one-month free trial before committing to the paid plan.

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4. WhatsApp Plus offers up to 20 pinned chats, a 6-fold increase from the current limit of three.

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5. Custom themes, ringtones, and notification tones are available for users who opt-in to the premium tier.

Why It Matters

If you're running a business on WhatsApp, this new paid tier could impact your customer engagement strategy. With customization options, businesses may need to rethink their approach to interacting with customers. This move also highlights the shift in WhatsApp's business model from paid messaging to ad-based revenue.

whatsapppaid-tiercustomization-optionsbusiness-model

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does this matter?

If you're running a business on WhatsApp, this new paid tier could impact your customer engagement strategy. With customization options, businesses may need to rethink their approach to interacting with customers. This move also highlights the shift in WhatsApp's business model from paid messaging to ad-based revenue.

What happened?

WhatsApp is testing a new paid tier called WhatsApp Plus, offering customized icons, themes, ringtones, and more. The test starts with a small group of users, but pricing remains unclear.

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