- WhatsApp is preparing a hybrid model with advertising in Status and Channels and an optional subscription to remove them.
- Chats, calls, and groups will remain free, while premium features will offer more customization and benefits.
- In Europe, a subscription is expected to start at around €4 per month and will be rolled out gradually, similar to what has been seen on Facebook and Instagram.
For years we've become accustomed to WhatsApp being a completely free app with no adsThis is almost unheard of in a world full of subscriptions. However, the latest leaks suggest that this phase may be nearing its end and that Meta already has a new one in the works. paid version of WhatsApp with subscription model, accompanied by advertising in certain sections for those who do not want to pay.
What we're seeing in the beta versions isn't just an isolated experiment. Several specialized media outlets have analyzed the WhatsApp for Android code and found very clear references to monthly fees, retention offers, and options to use the app without adsAll of this without affecting basic messaging, which would remain free, but significantly changing the experience we know so far.
From a symbolically paid app to a free service… and back again
Many new users don't even remember, but WhatsApp wasn't always freeIn its early years, the company's policy was to charge a small amount after a trial period, and this was applied differently depending on the operating system.
On Android, it was common for the app to be The first year was free, and afterwards an annual payment of around 0,79 euros was required.On iPhone, the model became a one-time payment after 12 months of use. On paper, it sounded like a big change, because back then we weren't so used to digital subscriptions or inserting our credit card into our phones.
The reality is that this charge was only partially implemented. The application itself allowed users to go postponing the subscription expiration time and time againAnd it was relatively easy to continue using the app without paying an extra euro. Furthermore, there was a very widespread trick: activate the account on an iPhonewhere it was free, and then use that same number on Android to keep the service at no cost "forever." All this without doing anything illegal, simply taking advantage of how the system was set up.
In 2014 came the big turning point with Facebook's purchase of WhatsApp, now Meta, for around 19.000 millionAnyone would have thought that, after such a large investment, the logical thing would be to tighten the payment model, but just the opposite happened: All fees were eliminated and WhatsApp became free for everyone., which further boosted its global growth.
Over time, Meta has been looking for new ways to monetizing a platform that already has over 2.000 billion or even 3.000 billion active usersAmong these formulas are integrated payment services such as WhatsApp Pay in markets like Brazil, India or Singapore, designed to make purchases and send money between individuals or to businesses directly from chats.
Clues in the code: the future ad-free subscription
The major information earthquake occurred when media outlets such as Android Authority vs WABetaInfo They have thoroughly examined the beta version of WhatsApp for Android, specifically recent builds such as 2.26.3.9. There they have detected very explicit text strings about a monthly subscription, price adjustments and the option to choose between watching advertising or paying not to see it.
Among these internal references is a message directed to users who have modified their settings in the Meta Accounts Center. The text mentions that, after a certain change, they should “Review your subscription to accept the new monthly price or continue using States and Channels for free, but with ads.”In other words, the choice would be between an ad-supported version and an ad-free version in exchange for a fee.
One of the most striking points is the mention of a price of $1 per monthHowever, experts who have studied these chains clarify that it could be a special withholding taxThis is shown to users trying to cancel their subscription to convince them to stay at a discounted price. The standard cost could be higher, and in fact, other leaks mention Prices would start at around 4 euros per month in Europe.
That figure of 4 euros has appeared in internal notifications also seen in the beta, where it indicates that the The subscription would be managed from the app store (Google Play Store on Android, and presumably App Store on iOS) and that, once activated or canceled, the changes could take about 15 minutes to be reflected in Status and Channels.
An important detail is the geographical area being considered. The same sources indicate that this The payment plan would, at least initially, be limited to users in Europe and the United Kingdom.The reason would have to do with data protection regulations and EU regulatory requirements, very similar to what was seen when Meta launched its ad-free subscriptions for Facebook and Instagram in European territory.
Where the ads will appear and what this means for the user experience
One of the biggest fears of users is that advertising ends up invading private chatsFor now, everything that has been leaked indicates that Meta is planning a more "soft" strategy: the ads would be shown in States and ChannelsThese are sections with a more public and content-oriented focus, rather than on personal conversations.
In the case of states, the idea would be for them to function in a similar way to the Instagram stories with sponsored posts...interspersing ads between your contacts' posts. As for Channels, these are mass distribution spaces where it makes more sense, from a commercial point of view, insert advertising without touching direct messages.
If this plan is confirmed, the app would be divided into two distinct speeds. On the one hand, a free version where you would continue using WhatsApp as usual to chat, call or make video calls, but assuming that ads will appear in the Updates tab (where Status and Channels are).
On the other hand, the paid version would allow you to enjoy States and Channels without advertisingIn addition to accessing a series of additional advantages that Meta is beginning to test: exclusive aesthetic themes, alternative app icons or new notification tones, among other extras that seek to give the service a more "premium" feel.
It is worth emphasizing that, as of today, there are no serious indications that Meta will charging for creating or participating in groupsIn recent weeks, messages have gone viral warning of alleged payments for using WhatsApp groups, but a review of the available information shows that there is no basis for this. Groups remain a free and essential feature of the app, with no changes announced in that regard.
The confusion stems precisely from the mix of rumors with internal tests discovered in the betas. Code fragments have been found regarding subscriptions and ad-supported or ad-free versions, and many people have assumed that this would translate into... direct payments for basic functions such as groupsFor now, none of that appears to be supported by official statements from Meta or by actual changes in how the app works.
Extra features of the paid version for individual users
In addition to eliminating advertising, leaks suggest that The paid version of WhatsApp for the average user would include small extras in terms of customization and convenience.We're not talking about radical changes, but rather details designed for those who use the application a lot and want to go a step further.
Among the features that have been mentioned are exclusive themes for the interfacewhich would allow changing the visual appearance of chats and menus, different app icons for the mobile home screen and sticker packs reserved for subscribersThe possibility of having more notification sound options and different ringtones is also being considered.
Another interesting feature that has been seen in the test versions is the Increased number of chats that can be pinned to the topCurrently there is a relatively low limit, but for those who use WhatsApp intensively—for work, studies or personal projects—being able to pin more conversations can save a lot of travel and wasted time.
Some rumors even mention that advantages of “VIP mode” For subscribers, this would include early access to certain new features or pilot tests of new functions before they are rolled out to the general public. All of this would fit with Meta's overall strategy of offering Additional layers of service are available to anyone willing to pay a monthly fee..
In parallel, it should be remembered that WhatsApp already has its own paid service geared towards the professional world: WhatsApp Business and the subscription called WhatsApp Premium in certain countriesThis model focuses on businesses and content creators who need advanced tools to manage a large volume of messages.
WhatsApp Business Premium: the other side of the paid version
While the controversy centers on whether ordinary users will have to pay, the truth is that The paid version of WhatsApp is now a reality in the business environmentMeta is gradually rolling out a subscription linked to WhatsApp Business, your solution for businesses and brands.
This plan, known in some markets as whatsapppremiumIt does not intend to reduce features for those who use the free app, but rather to offer Additional professional tools for businesses and teamsAmong the features that have been revealed, the possibility of link more simultaneous devices to the same account, something essential for customer service departments that share the same number.
The option to create custom links with the company namemaking it easy for customers to start a conversation directly with a single tap from the web, social media, or marketing campaigns. For businesses with high message traffic, this is combined with filters and organizational tools that help to not miss any important requests.
Another key component of the Business Premium plan is the integration functions with other sales or support programsThis allows WhatsApp to better integrate into CRM ecosystems, e-commerce platforms, and ticket management software. In this way, Meta aims to enable businesses that already rely on WhatsApp for sales and communication to manage everything more professionally without having to resort to external solutions.
For the average user, this means that The standard app will remain free to chat, make calls, send files, voice notes, or share status updates. Meta insists that the pillars of the service—unlimited messaging, end-to-end encryption, and use on multiple personal devices—will not be diminished by the existence of this business-oriented payment option.
Rumors, deployment times, and what to expect
In this scenario, it's normal that there are nerves and confusion among millions of usersFor weeks, alarmist messages have been circulating about mandatory payments, group charges, or even account blocking if a subscription isn't purchased. However, when these messages are compared with technical information and official announcements, it becomes clear that many of these claims are exaggerated or outright false.
What does seem plausible is that Meta is outlining a hybrid model in which WhatsApp would maintain a free user base funded by advertising. in specific sections, accompanied by an optional subscription for those who want a cleaner experience with extras. This approach is in line with what the company has already done with Facebook and Instagram in Europewhere there is a paid plan to use both platforms without ads.
Regarding the timeline, leaks suggest that 2026 would be a key year for the rollout of ads in States and ChannelsAt least in the European Union. Meta has already informed the Irish data protection commission of its intention to delay the arrival of advertising in Europe while it adapts the service to privacy regulations, and now everything fits with the preparation of this subscription system.
Experts indicate that we are most likely to see a phased market rolloutStarting with a few select countries before rolling out to the rest. It's possible there will be trial phases, waiting lists, or early access for certain user groups, especially regarding premium features.
What hasn't changed, at least for now, is the company's underlying message: Private chats, calls, and groups remain part of WhatsApp's free core.Testing with ads is limited to States and Channels, and the eventual subscription is presented as entirely optional. Meta will have to tread carefully to avoid eroding user trust, but the overall direction of the business seems clear.
With everything that has come to light, the picture that emerges is that of a WhatsApp with two very distinct levels: a free version with advertising in specific areas and a paid option with fewer ads and more customizationMeanwhile, the business sector is developing in parallel with plans like Business Premium. From here on out, the big question will be how many people will be willing to pay for something that, for so long, we've enjoyed without ever taking our credit cards out of our pockets.
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