WhatsApp introduces WhatsApp Plus subscription in South Africa

Meta’s messaging app WhatsApp has begun offering a paid tier, called WhatsApp Plus, to users in South Africa. The service costs R28.99 per month and adds premium capabilities such as pinning up to 20 chats, custom themes, app‑icon choices, colour options and expanded profile customisation. The core WhatsApp app remains free, with the subscription accessed through the Settings menu and billed via the usual Apple or Google payment channels.

The rollout is part of Meta’s broader push to generate recurring revenue beyond advertising, following similar premium offerings on its other platforms. Although no formal South‑African press release was issued, the feature appeared in the app and has been reported by regional technology outlets.