WhatsApp Plus launches on iPhone: What the subscription offers

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After initial testing in the Android beta, WhatsApp Plus is now also available to iPhone users. The rollout is initially limited, but some of the terms and features are already visible – raising the question of whether the subscription is worthwhile.

Meta launched the paid WhatsApp Plus model in the Android beta a few weeks ago, thus ushering in a new monetization chapter for the messenger. The now-beginning iOS rollout comes as no surprise to attentive observers – what is more unusual is how limited the feature set is that WhatsApp will offer its users for around €2.49 per month.

The iOS rollout is starting – but only in dribs and drabs

Initially, only a small group of iPhone users will have access to the subscription; more accounts are expected to follow in the coming weeks. The feature is not yet available in the US. The announced price of €2.49 per month for Europe suggests that the US price is likely to settle between $2.49 and $2.99 (via WABetaInfo).

These features include WhatsApp Plus

Most importantly: All existing messaging functions will remain available in the free app. Those who subscribe will also receive the following enhancements:

Premium stickers available for shipping
Customizable app icon
Individually selectable app themes
Premium ringtones
Advanced list functions
Up to 20 pinned chats instead of the previous three

The only feature with genuine everyday value is the significantly increased number of pinned chats. Anyone regularly involved in 10 to 15 important conversations will benefit from this expansion. The rest – stickers, ringtones, themes, icons – fall more into the category of cosmetic personalization.

Why Meta is still testing the subscription

Meta is pursuing a broad strategy with WhatsApp Plus. The company plans to offer premium subscriptions for its entire app family, including Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. AI features are also intended to be integrated into the packages in the future – but currently, WhatsApp Plus remains limited to the aforementioned, rather modest personalization features. This suggests that the current phase primarily serves to gauge user acceptance and willingness to pay.

Who really needs the subscription?

From today's perspective, the answer to this question is clear: very few. Those who use WhatsApp purely as a messaging tool will continue to get the full range of features with the free version. Power users with a large number of active chats can point to the pinning feature, but even here, a little tidying up of the chat overview is often sufficient.

The picture becomes more interesting once Meta adds AI features – for example, improved search or conversation summaries. Until then, WhatsApp Plus remains an offering that primarily appeals to heavy users and personalization enthusiasts. And for those still seeking maximum iOS integration: With iOS 18.2, WhatsApp can be set as the default app for messages and calls – a step that often proves more useful in everyday life than paid stickers.

What to expect from the Plus model

WhatsApp Plus is a cautious entry into a business model that Meta plans to expand to all platforms in the coming years. Currently, the package is too small to convince a broad audience – but that's likely to change as soon as AI tools and productivity-oriented features are integrated into the app. For iPhone users, WhatsApp Plus remains, for now, an offer to be aware of, but not one they need to subscribe to. (Image: Shutterstock / Volt Design)