Meta has officially introduced WhatsApp Plus, a new optional subscription service in India, priced at just Rs. 79 per month. This move marks the company’s first premium tier for WhatsApp, offering users enhanced customization without altering the core free experience.
Subscribers to WhatsApp Plus gain access to 18 exclusive color themes, 14 customized app icons, unique notification ringtones, premium sticker packs, and the ability to pin up to 20 chats. Additionally, the package includes advanced chat organization tools and early access to select features as Meta continues to roll out updates.
Users who do not subscribe will still enjoy all standard WhatsApp features, including messaging, voice and video calls, and end-to-end encryption — completely unchanged.
To activate WhatsApp Plus, users can navigate to Settings > Subscriptions within the app and complete the payment. The feature is being phased out gradually, so not all users may see the option immediately.
Industry experts view this launch as Meta’s strategic first step toward building a premium ecosystem around WhatsApp while maintaining its free core offering. The subscription is currently available only in India, with potential expansion in the future.