WhatsApp Plus has arrived, and you can confidently disregard this subscription.
WhatsApp has staunchly upheld its identity as a straightforward, free online messaging service for more than ten years, but a new subscription model is complicating its clarity.
Meta is introducing WhatsApp Plus, a paid subscription option, to a select group of iPhone users with the latest App Store version.
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So, what exactly does WhatsApp Plus provide?
The advantages associated with the WhatsApp Plus subscription resemble more a collection of cosmetic changes rather than practical enhancements. First, subscribers can choose from 18 accent colors to modify the app’s traditional green theme.
Additionally, there are 14 different home-screen icons available. Other benefits include exclusive animated sticker packs, 10 unique call ringtones, and the option to pin up to 20 chats (increased from three), which I could see myself utilizing.
Furthermore, subscribers may also implement consistent themes and alert sounds across their entire chat list, but the fundamental WhatsApp experience, including end-to-end encryption for messaging, calls, video, and status updates, remains unchanged.
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What is the cost of the WhatsApp Plus subscription?
In European markets, the subscription is set at approximately €2.49 per month. Although pricing in the US has yet to be disclosed, it might be around $2.49 to $2.99. Eligible users may also be offered a free trial for a week or a month, depending on their region.
Currently, the WhatsApp Plus subscription is billed monthly through the App Store. Notably, WhatsApp Business accounts do not have access to this subscription, which is concerning since these users would likely be more inclined to pay for premium options.
What troubles me is that several prominent features of WhatsApp Plus are already free on competing messaging platforms, with no monthly fee attached.
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Competing apps offer free chat background customization
For instance, the custom themes feature is already available on Telegram, which has offered chat background customization and dark/light mode options for years without a subscription fee.
Signal recently introduced a paid tier for cloud backups (eliminating the 45-day limit on media storage), but still allows users to set custom chat wallpapers at no cost. Additionally, Apple’s iMessage offers free chat customization options in its Messages app, including personalized photo backgrounds for each contact.
This highlights that the features WhatsApp is charging for are already included in the basic offerings of its competitors.
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The subscription tier should have included more practical features
In contrast, Telegram Premium, priced at $4.99 per month in the US, elevates the file upload limit from 2GB to 4GB, provides voice message transcription, real-time chat translation, accelerates download speeds, and permits users to join up to 1,000 Telegram channels.
These features, in my view, are functional improvements that enhance app usability. WhatsApp Plus, however, primarily alters the appearance of the app.
While WhatsApp Plus isn't a poor product, it's mainly an appealing addition for enthusiasts seeking a purple app icon and animated stickers. However, for those of us looking for value, competitors are offering better options, often for a lower price or for free altogether.
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WhatsApp Plus has arrived, and you can confidently disregard this subscription.
Meta's paid WhatsApp subscription is now available on iPhone, but upon further examination, it becomes clear that competitors such as Telegram and Signal provide similar or even superior features at no cost.