WhatsApp Plus Launches on iPhone: Custom Themes, Icons, and Premium Features Roll Out

At a glance:

• WhatsApp Plus subscription now available on iOS, offering premium sticker packs, 18 accent colors, 14 alternate app icons, and more.
• The paid tier raises the pinned-chat limit from 3 to 20, adds 10 new ringtones, and enables bulk theme settings.
• Subscription costs €2.49/month in Europe and $29/month in Mexico, with potential free trials in some regions.

WhatsApp Plus Rollout Details

WhatsApp has begun rolling out its paid WhatsApp Plus subscription to iOS users, following beta testing with a select group. According to WABetaInfo, the new tier is designed for heavy users who want to personalize their WhatsApp experience. The subscription offers premium sticker packs with fullscreen overlay animations (visible to recipients without the plan), 18 accent colors that replace the app's default green across the interface, and 14 alternate app icons to choose from, ranging from minimal outlines to glittery and artistic designs. Additionally, the plan raises the pinned-chat limit from 3 to 20, adds 10 new ringtones, and allows bulk theme, alert tone, and ringtone settings across chat lists.

Pricing and Availability

The WhatsApp Plus subscription costs €2.49 per month in Europe and $29 in Mexico, though prices may vary in other regions. Eligible users may also see a one-week or one-month free trial, depending on the country. However, WhatsApp Business account holders will not see the subscription option, as it is intended for regular users only. It's worth noting that the rollout is currently limited to a small group of iOS users on the latest App Store version, but broader availability is expected over the coming weeks.

What WhatsApp Plus Offers

WhatsApp Plus is essentially an optional add-on that provides extras rather than restricting existing features. The core functionality of messaging, voice and video calls, status updates, and end-to-end encryption remains unchanged for all users. This means that users with no interest in the plan don't lose anything. Instead, they can enjoy the standard WhatsApp experience, while heavy users can explore the new personalization options offered by the subscription tier.

Why It Matters

The launch of WhatsApp Plus on iPhone is significant for several reasons. First, it expands WhatsApp's monetization strategy beyond the existing WhatsApp Business subscription, which is currently available only to users in select markets. Second, it provides a new way for WhatsApp to generate revenue from its massive user base. Third, it allows WhatsApp to compete more effectively with other messaging apps that offer similar personalization features. Finally, it demonstrates WhatsApp's commitment to innovation and its willingness to experiment with new subscription models.