Overview
- New Android beta code (v2.26.4.8) shows a premium plan in development that would add features such as premium stickers, new themes, more than three pinned chats, custom chat ringtones and app icon customization.
- Access to the premium plan is expected to open via a waitlist that notifies users when they can subscribe.
- A separate ad‑free option for the Updates tab is being built for users in Europe and the UK, removing ads in Status and hiding promoted channels.
- Meta has confirmed to TechCrunch that it will pilot subscriptions across WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook, positioning them as optional add‑ons.
- Pricing and rollout timing have not been announced and are expected to vary by country, while WhatsApp is also testing a label for paid partnerships on channel updates in a newer beta (v2.26.4.10).