WhatsApp may introduce paid subscription to remove ads from updates tab
WhatsApp is working on an optional subscription plan that will let users remove ads from the Updates tab. The paid option will eliminate Status ads and promoted channels, offering a completely ad-free experience.
New Delhi: WhatsApp is preparing a new way for users to avoid ads, without changing how private chats work. The messaging platform is developing an optional subscription plan that removes ads from the Updates tab, where Status ads and promoted channels currently appear.
The move follows WhatsApp’s gradual rollout of ads in the Updates tab across select countries, including the United States. The company has repeatedly said that ads are limited to this section only and do not affect personal messages, calls, or groups. Now, users may soon get the option to pay for an entirely ad-free Updates experience.
A paid option to remove ads
According to findings in the latest beta version of WhatsApp for Android (version 2.26.3.9), the platform is testing a subscription plan that removes all ads from the Updates tab. This includes both Status ads and promoted channels.
Once subscribed, users will no longer see ads after browsing status updates. Paid users will also stop seeing promoted channels, which creators and businesses pay to highlight. The goal is to offer a clean, interruption-free Updates tab.
Limited to Europe and the UK
The subscription service seems to be exclusive to Europe and UK. This can probably be explained by regional digital policies, which force sites to provide users with increased options in terms of advertising. Other platforms owned by Meta in these regions already have similar options.
The plan will be optional to the users. They may use WhatsApp continuously with advertisements on the Updates tab or pay to get rid of them. Basic services such as messaging and calls will be free.
Pricing and subscription details
Initial screen shots indicate that ad free plan would be in the range of €4. This price is however not final and it may vary before launch. The expenses may also be different in different countries or even in the event that the account is connected via the Accounts Center of Meta.
Subscriptions shall be done by use of Google Play Store. The users will be able to cancel or initiate the plan at will. WhatsApp also records that this can take up to 15 minutes to update following a cancellation.
Ad-free subscription is underdeveloped and is yet to be made official. WhatsApp is striving to streamline the process of signing up and to make sure that it does not run foul of the legislation of the country.
At the moment, the feature will be beta-only. Further expansion will rely on the approvals by the regulations and the ending price. Additional information is likely to be announced when Meta official announcements occur.