The much-anticipated WhatsApp Plus subscription is now starting to appear on the iPhones of some users in Europe. After several weeks of testing on Android, Meta has begun activating this optional paid plan on iOS, which adds more customization and some organizational improvements without affecting the messaging app's core functions.
With this move, WhatsApp is introducing a direct payment model for individual users in the standard app for the first time , moving away from the opaque third-party tools that used the "Plus" moniker. The company states that this is a premium layer designed for those who want to enhance the aesthetics and organization of their chats, while messages, calls, and video calls remain free.
What exactly is WhatsApp Plus on the iPhone?
WhatsApp Plus is presented as a monthly and entirely optional add-on for WhatsApp Messenger. It doesn't replace the regular app or make it a paid app: those who don't subscribe retain all the features they already know, without restrictions on messaging, calls, statuses, or end-to-end encryption.
The subscription focuses almost entirely on adding visual customization features and some extra organizational tools . The idea is similar to what other services like Telegram Premium or Snapchat+ have already done, but applied to the WhatsApp ecosystem and, for now, with relatively limited reach.
On iOS, the rollout has begun with version 26.17.74 of WhatsApp for iPhone and with beta users via TestFlight. It's initially being activated for a limited number of accounts and regions, and will then gradually reach all other users, provided they have the updated app.
Meta insists that WhatsApp Plus doesn't remove any of the features that are currently free . Those who don't pay will continue using the app as always, without losing quality or security, and will still be able to receive messages, view premium stickers sent to them, and participate in the same groups.
WhatsApp Plus price: how much does it cost in Europe and other countries
In Europe, WhatsApp Plus costs €2,49 per month . It's not a one-time payment, but a recurring fee that renews automatically through the App Store. If the user stops paying, they lose access to all the exclusive features of the premium plan.
The price varies by region. In Mexico, the subscription costs 29 pesos per month , while in Pakistan it's around 229 rupees. These figures place the service in a moderate price range within the app market, closer to a "luxury subscription" than an essential service.
In select markets, certain users may be offered a free trial for one week or even one month . This demo allows you to try out themes, icons, stickers, and the increased number of pinned chats at no upfront cost, though automatic renewal will apply if not canceled in time.
It's important to note that, since the subscription is managed through the Apple App Store, cancellation must be made at least 24 hours before the renewal date to avoid the next charge. The subscription process is controlled from the Subscriptions section of your iPhone.
What's included in WhatsApp Plus: exclusive colors, themes, and icons
The main selling point of WhatsApp Plus is the ability to completely change the app's appearance . The subscription unlocks up to 18 accent colors that replace WhatsApp's classic green in much of the interface, such as buttons, headers, and featured app elements.
These colors include shades such as vibrant blue, royal purple, deep navy, bright lavender , charcoal gray, coral orange, forest green, teal, burgundy, and brown. Variations such as sandy beige, emerald green, bright yellow, olive green, fuchsia pink, crimson red, sunset orange, and golden yellow are also included.
With this expanded palette, users can virtually create custom themes for backgrounds, chat bubbles, and other visual elements. Compared to the standard version, where customization options were mainly limited to the chat background, the experience becomes much more flexible.
In addition, WhatsApp Plus includes 14 alternative icons for the app . There are minimalist black and white versions, designs with more vibrant colors like orange, glitter versions, and more artistic styles. The goal is for the app to stand out even on the iPhone's home screen.
Premium stickers and new ringtones
Another major new feature is the premium stickers with special animations . These packs contain more complex animated effects, with overlays and movements designed to differentiate them from the regular stickers already available on the platform.
Only WhatsApp Plus subscribers can download and send these exclusive stickers , but any user can see them when they are sent to them, even without a subscription. This maintains a shared experience within conversations, without overly fragmenting the content displayed on the screen.
In addition to stickers, the subscription includes 10 premium ringtones designed to further personalize the sound experience. Among the names that have been revealed are Flutter, Tempo, Ripple, Quest, Drum, Murmur, Flux, Meadow, Bubble, and Carnival, each with a different style to distinguish WhatsApp calls.
These tones can be assigned to specific contacts or chat lists, allowing you to recognize by ear what type of conversation is triggering the alert . It's a minor addition in terms of functionality, but it fits with the idea of providing an extra layer of aesthetics and convenience for those who use the app daily.
More organization: up to 20 pinned chats and advanced lists
Where WhatsApp Plus introduces the most practical improvement is in conversation management. While the free version only allows you to pin 3 chats to the top of the tab, the subscription raises that limit to 20 pinned chats.
This difference can be relevant for power users who manage many groups, communities, or work conversations . Having 20 pinned chats makes it easier to keep the most important contacts and groups visible without losing them in the main list.
In addition, Meta is incorporating tools to manage chat lists more efficiently . Subscribers can apply the same visual theme, alert tone, or shared ringtone to all chats within a specific list, without having to go conversation by conversation.
For example, you can create a list with all your coworkers and assign it a unique design and sound , clearly distinct from your personal or family chats. This visual and auditory separation helps you better organize your day-to-day life, especially when using WhatsApp as a nearly universal communication tool.
Where it is available and who can use it
WhatsApp Plus is being rolled out in phases. Europe is among the first markets to receive the subscription, along with countries like Mexico and Pakistan. In other territories, such as Brazil and the United States, the new feature is not yet widely available.
In Spain, the option is starting to appear for some iPhone users with the latest version of WhatsApp for iOS installed . However, having the app updated doesn't guarantee immediate access: it's conditional on both the account and the region, and Meta is gradually expanding the number of eligible users.
For now, the subscription is not offered on WhatsApp Business . The service is geared towards personal WhatsApp Messenger accounts, which is consistent with the type of features included, focusing more on themes, icons, and stickers than on professional or customer service tools.
At the same time, the company emphasizes that end-to-end encryption and all other privacy guarantees remain intact for everyone, and that the subscription does not imply any preferential treatment in this area or any change in security policies.
An attempt to monetize without touching the essentials
The arrival of WhatsApp Plus on iPhones represents a significant step in Meta's monetization strategy for its most popular messaging app. Until now, the company had focused primarily on business tools and commerce-oriented features, rather than a direct subscription service for individual users.
With this plan, the company is testing the extent to which users are willing to pay for aesthetic improvements and minor organizational advantages , without creating a divide between those who pay and those who don't. Everything suggests it's a kind of "vanity subscription," designed for the most enthusiastic users and those who use WhatsApp as a central tool in their digital lives.
In the European context, where the application has a huge user base and is very accustomed to being free , the success of WhatsApp Plus will depend on whether these initial features are perceived as sufficient or whether Meta ends up adding more advantages in the medium term.
For now, the premium package offers colors, icons, stickers, and greater control over pinned chats and lists . For many users, this probably won't be a reason to subscribe immediately; for others, it may be an affordable way to customize the app and bring some order to a service that, in daily life, has become almost a second personal planner.
