Meta is preparing to introduce paid subscription features across its major platforms, including WhatsApp and Instagram. A new report now offers the first glimpse of how WhatsApp’s upcoming subscription service could work, revealing premium customisation and utility-based features currently under development in the Android beta version of the app.
Meta is actively working to bring paid features to its core products, including WhatsApp. According to a new report, WhatsApp’s upcoming subscription service is already visible in a beta version for Android, suggesting that development is progressing rapidly and a public rollout may not be far away.
While earlier expectations focused heavily on AI, the report indicates that WhatsApp’s initial paid offerings may instead prioritise personalisation and productivity enhancements, such as stickers, themes, and expanded chat controls.
According to WABetaInfo, the first evidence of WhatsApp’s upcoming paid subscription has been found in WhatsApp beta version for Android 2.26.4.8.
Screenshots shared in the report suggest that:
Users will need to join a waitlist to access the subscription
Users who sign up may be notified once the plan(s) is (are) available
Once approved or officially rolled out, subscribers will receive additional functionality beyond WhatsApp’s free features
This waitlist system indicates a phased rollout, likely allowing Meta to test features and gather feedback before a wider release.
Under the new subscription plan, WhatsApp may offer:
Premium stickers
Exclusive app themes
The ability to pin more than three chats
Dedicated chat ringtones for individual conversations
These additions are aimed at delivering a more personalised messaging experience, especially for power users who rely heavily on WhatsApp for daily communication.
Another feature currently under development is customisation of WhatsApp’s app icon. Using this option, users may be able to choose their preferred icon from multiple designs provided by WhatsApp, adding another layer of visual personalisation.
As the subscription features are still being tested, WhatsApp may:
Modify existing features before launch
Add new tools based on user feedback
Adjust availability depending on platform and region
The final feature list may therefore differ slightly when the subscription officially launches.
As of now, the price of the WhatsApp subscription plan has not been revealed. The report notes that pricing could vary from country to country, reflecting Meta’s broader localisation strategy across global markets.
Importantly, Meta has clarified that the core WhatsApp experience will remain free, even after the subscription launches.
Recently, Meta told TechCrunch that it is planning to launch a new subscription plan for all three of its major platforms — Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The subscription is expected to unlock more “productivity and creativity” features, while ensuring that free users can continue using the apps without restrictions.
Although the current beta focuses more on utility and customisation, Meta may later integrate AI-powered features into the subscription.
As part of this new subscription strategy, Meta may also include its recently acquired AI agents Manus. Meta acquired the company for $2 billion in December, signaling its long-term commitment to AI-driven tools across its platforms.
Conclusion
WhatsApp’s upcoming paid subscription marks a significant shift in Meta’s monetisation strategy. By focusing first on customisation, productivity, and personalisation, WhatsApp aims to add value without disrupting its massive free user base. With beta testing already underway and a broader Meta subscription ecosystem taking shape, users can expect meaningful changes to how WhatsApp evolves in the coming months.