WhatsApp has begun testing a new package of paid features named "WhatsApp Premium" WhatsApp Premium. This package will offer subscribers new features that are not available to users of the free version.
According to WABetaInfo, specializing in tracking WhatsApp updates, the beta update of the application on Android version 2.26.9.6 allowed some users the ability to join a waiting list to subscribe to the paid package. A notification for this can appear on the Sticker Keyboard panel, or at the top of the settings page within the application, through which users can sign up for the waiting list for the new service.
This list allows users to register their interest in subscribing to be notified when the subscription to the "WhatsApp Premium" package officially becomes available.
Registering on the waiting list does not mean automatic subscription to the paid package upon its launch, and joining the list is completely optional, as is subscribing to the package itself. Therefore, users can continue using the app with all its current features without any change in the user experience if they choose not to subscribe.
WhatsApp Premium benefits
Among the features WhatsApp is developing within this package is the ability to increase the number of pinned conversations at the top of the chat list.
In the free version of WhatsApp, users can only pin up to three conversations at the top of the chat list, but with a subscription to the "WhatsApp Premium" package, a user will be able to pin up to twenty conversations.
This expansion aims to give users greater flexibility in organizing their chats, especially those who deal with many daily conversations and want to keep their most important chats easily accessible.
The application is also working on developing another feature within the paid package that allows users to choose new ringtone sounds for calls within the app.
In the current version of WhatsApp, a user can already choose a different ringtone for incoming calls through the app, but subscribing to "WhatsApp Premium" will offer an additional set of ringtones, each with its unique sound character.
The purpose of these ringtones is to give users more capability to customize call notifications in a way that reflects different styles or mood states.
The new exclusive ringtones will help easily distinguish WhatsApp call notifications from other app notifications.
These ringtones will be exclusively customized for WhatsApp calls and will not be usable for message notifications.
In the context of developing other features to enhance the user experience, WhatsApp has also launched a new feature that helps users find new stickers during a conversation and send them easily.
This feature appeared in the application update for iOS version 26.8.75. It works when a user types an emoji in the chat bar, where the app displays a small preview of the first sticker that matches the emoji. If the user taps on this preview, WhatsApp displays a limited number of stickers provided by third-party sticker providers.
If a user wishes to explore more stickers, they can tap on the option See more results, which will display a new section allowing the discovery of over 100 new stickers that can be used in conversations.
These developments indicate WhatsApp's direction towards offering an optional subscription model that provides additional features for users who wish to further customize their experience.
At the same time, the company confirms that all paid features will remain optional, and that users will be able to continue using the app for free with all its current features without any restrictions or changes in the basic user experience.
