If there’s one thing I’m always trying to do, it’s cut down on the number of monthly subscriptions I have. With so many services now using a subscription model, it’s easy for them to pile up and get expensive fast.
So when I see an app that’s been free for years suddenly start experimenting with subscriptions, it annoys me. Unfortunately, one of the apps I use every day, and that millions of people rely on, could be heading in that direction soon: WhatsApp.
WABetaInfo recently found references in WhatsApp about a new premium subscription called “WhatsApp Plus” that could be coming soon (via Android Police).
While it’s not clear how much this premium WhatsApp Plus subscription will cost, it will reportedly offer several exclusive customization options, including 14 different app icons, a range of accent colors and themes to choose from, and exclusive ringtones and stickers.
The subscription could also include other perks that make the app easier to use, including the ability to pin up to 20 chats. Right now, the number of conversations you can pin in WhatsApp is limited to 3, so that would be a substantial jump.
WhatsApp will stay free
In my view, WhatsApp Plus seems pointless
It’s worth noting that while Meta (which owns WhatsApp) could launch WhatsApp Plus as a paid subscription soon, WABetaInfo’s report makes it clear that WhatsApp will remain completely free to use, and that its new subscription would just be an optional add-on for those who want it.
Additionally, it’s unclear when or if WhatsApp Plus will actually launch. It’s reportedly in development for iOS and Android, so it’s possible it could launch later this year. Conversely, it’s also entirely possible that Meta decides not to launch it all.
It really just seems like WhatsApp Plus would be adding features that should be free, and that Meta is only trying to make extra money by putting them behind a paywall.
In my view, the only useful feature WhatsApp Plus might have is the ability to pin up to 20 conversations, rather than just 3. Everything else, like the customization options I mentioned earlier, seems completely pointless to me.
It really just seems like WhatsApp Plus would be adding features that should be free, and that Meta is only trying to make extra money by putting them behind a paywall.
That said, there is no information yet on how much WhatsApp Plus might cost. Still, based on the reported features, it’s an easy skip for me, regardless of the price. I only use WhatsApp for messaging and calls, and I don’t care about extra customization options. Honestly, if anything, this news just makes me want to switch permanently to Google Messages sooner rather than later, before WhatsApp gets worse.
