Soon, WhatsApp users will experience a whole new experience on iPhone devices. According to recent reports, Meta has started rolling out WhatsApp Plus for some iOS users. The new subscription, it has added several premium tools and customization features to the app. The feature is currently available for a limited number of users, but could be made available to additional users in the next few weeks. The primary aim of WhatsApp Plus is to offer users greater control over the look and operation of the application.
In this article, we will discussss about Meta is aiming to introduce additional features without impacting the normal WhatsApp experience for the free-tier users. Chats, calls, media sharing, and privacy features will reportedly continue to be available to all and free.
Also read: Fitbit Users May Soon Get AI fitness coaching, Customised Coaching Through Google Health
What Is WhatsApp Plus And How Does It Work?
Actually, WhatsApp Plus is an extra service that can be used by every WhatsApp user. It’s not linked to WhatsApp Business, and users don’t need to pay anything to use the regular version. Once a user subscribes, they will be granted additional customization options, premium stickers, themes,s and more special features. Opening the WhatsApp Settings on an iPhone, users will know whether the subscription is available or not, according to reports. If they have a valid subscription, they’ll see a new dashboard, on which they can choose to enable the subscription. The rollout is still limited – not all users have access to the option for now. In addition, Meta will be rolling out further rollouts to other countries and devices in the coming weeks.
The premium themes and colors are coming to users.
The new app customization system is one of the largest features of WhatsApp Plus. According to users, they will have access to approximately 18 different accent colors and themes. Users can pick colours other than the usual green for WhatsApp, such as purple, orange, yellow, blue, red, amongst many others, instead of the traditional green design. Once you choose a theme, the entire interface changes to that color. This pertains to backgrounds, buttons, highlights, and some elements of the menus. In addition to this, users should enjoy some smoother visual effects and better UI animations on iPhones. It seems like this time, Meta has put more emphasis on personalization. This is one of WhatsApp Plus’s most significant new features, which will be a major selling point for those who enjoy customizing their app’s look and feel when the wider rollout takes place.
Users can also change the app icons for the iPhone.
Another cool feature included in WhatsApp Plus is custom app icons. According to reports, users will be able to enjoy up to 14 different icon styles within the premium plan. Some icons are simple, others include glowing effects, glitter, or a colorful texture. This is primarily for users who like to customize their phone’s screen.iPhones users already personalize widgets and wallpapers, and now Meta is aiming to add WhatsApp to the mix. In addition, users can also receive minimalist icons and dark-style icons for a cleaner setup.
For now, these icons are only available for subscribers. Users of the standard version will still be able to use the familiar WhatsApp logo. Later, however, if WhatsApp Plus is successful among iOS users, more icon styles could be added by Meta.
The Premium Stickers And Animated Effects Are Also Included!
WhatsApp Plus is also getting a new set of exclusive sticker packs. These stickers have to be purchased and might have special animation and overlay effects. These stickers can be played on the conversation screen when sent in chats. What is more interesting is that these animated stickers will still be viewable for those who do not subscribe to the data plans, should they receive them from premium users. In addition to this, users will be able to choose which premium sticker packs they would like to download. This way, there isn’t too much of an impact, and the experience remains optional.
These changes are said to aim at making chats more fun and visually appealing for Meta. Many messaging apps already feature premium stickers, and WhatsApp could be heading in that direction as well. Unfortunately, this feature is currently being rolled out to a few users testing WhatsApp Plus on the iOS platform.
Also read: OpenAI Expands API With Smarter Voice AI, Live Translation, and Real-Time Transcription
Subscription Pricing & Availability Details
The current reports indicate that the price of WhatsApp may be €2.49 a month in some areas. The price is reportedly around PKR 229 in Pakistan, which could vary in other countries because of market fluctuations. Final global pricing has not been announced by Meta. The company is also reportedly conducting trials for a free trial for some users. That will allow individuals to acquire one week or one month to trial the high-end attributes prior to paying. In addition, subscribers will automatically receive the membership for each month until they cancel their subscription in the App Store.
The subscription is currently available just to a limited number of iOS users. But Meta expects to roll it out gradually over the next couple of weeks. The business is additionally creating more premium instruments, which may be available later in WhatsApp Plus updates.
Final Thoughts
Meta is definitely attempting to make WhatsApp more customisable without getting rid of free messaging capabilities. The firm is primarily concentrating on customization, themes, stickers,s and chat controls rather than creating paywalled important equipment. That’s why many users may be ok with the new subscription system. As of now, WhatsApp Plus is still in its early stages of rollout and is limited to a select few iPhone users. However, if the answer continues to be yes, then it could be a global rollout just around the corner. In addition, some of the more premium features might also be included in upcoming updates. In the upcoming months, this new WhatsApp experience will be of particular interest to iPhone users who like to customize and enjoy exclusive features.
Also read: WhatsApp To Test Liquid Glass Design For Reactions And Messages