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WhatsApp Plus Paid Tier Reaches Select iPhones in Staged Rollout

The limited iPhone release signals Meta’s push to monetize WhatsApp with optional upgrades.

Overview

  • WhatsApp Plus began appearing for some iPhone users on iOS 26.17.74 on Tuesday after earlier Android tests, according to WABetaInfo.
  • WhatsApp’s help pages describe the plan as optional and state that messages, calls, and core features remain free.
  • The subscription centers on personalization and organization, adding premium stickers with effects, custom app themes and icons, custom ringtones for frequent contacts, and the option to pin up to 20 chats.
  • Early in-app listings in Europe show a €2.49 monthly price that renews automatically unless users cancel.
  • Availability is still limited with no announced global launch date, and iPhone billing and cancellation run through Apple’s App Store.