WhatsApp announces optional premium plan, free service to remain

Popular messaging app WhatsApp is preparing to introduce a new optional premium plan alongside its completely free service, which is currently available in beta for a limited number of users. The company says the move is aimed at giving users additional features, while basic services like chat, calls and media sharing will remain free.

According to WhatsApp, premium subscriptions can include features that make using the app more personal and unique. These can include special sticker packs, new themes, changes to the app's appearance, the ability to pin more chats, specific sounds for chat notifications and customizing the app icon.

The company has made it clear that the plan will be completely optional. Even if a user does not take up the subscription, the basic features of WhatsApp will continue to be available for free without any interruption. At this time, neither the final price of this premium plan has been revealed nor has its full features or official launch date been announced, as the project is still in the experimental phase.

WhatsApp says the subscription model aims to give users freedom of choice, so that those who want additional and special features can get them by paying, while the app remains free for general users.