India, May 14 -- Meta-owned WhatsApp is testing an optional paid tier called WhatsApp Plus for a limited number of users, according to TechCrunch and beta tracking reports. The feature, first reported by WABetaInfo in April and later acknowledged by Meta as a limited test, is currently being implemented to a small group of Android and iPhone users rolling out to a limited number of users in select markets. It is likely to be rolled out globally in the next few weeks. Here is what the WhatsApp subscription offers, what it costs, and whether it is worth considering.

Formal Statement: Not a replacement, but an upgrade that is optional.

Meta has acknowledged a limited optional subscription test, describing it as an experimental feature focu...