It seemed like a distant memory, but paying to use WhatsApp could cease to be history and become reality once again. More than a decade ago, the norm was to pay a symbolic annual fee after the first year of use. However, after the acquisition by Facebook (now Meta), those payments disappeared… until today.
The most recent indications suggest a change of course. According to specialized websites such as WABetaInfo and Android Authority, the latest beta version of the app—released at the end of January 2026—contains technical references that point to the development of a paid version to enjoy the service without advertising interruptions.
This is how WhatsApp’s ad-free subscription would work
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Android Authority’s discovery is based on specific lines of programming that invite users to “review their subscription” or present counteroffers to prevent them from unsubscribing. Advertising would apply to the States and Channels sections.
There is a reference to $1 per month, although analysts warn that this could be a promotional retention rate for users attempting to cancel, and not necessarily the standard final price.
Advertising would not affect private chats. Meta’s strategy would focus on monetizing public and social content tabs (Stories and Channels), keeping personal conversations intact.
This new model is expected to be officially announced in 2026 in selected markets.
A return to the origins of monetization
The idea of charging is not new for the platform. In its early days, Android users paid €0.79 per year, while iPhone users paid a one-time fee. Meta eliminated these fees when it purchased the app to promote its massive expansion.
Now, the company is looking for new ways to monetize its billions of users. In addition to this possible subscription, Meta already successfully operates WhatsApp Pay in emerging markets such as Brazil, India, and Singapore, for purchases and money transfers between individuals directly from the chat.