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WhatsApp has started testing a paid subscription tier called WhatsApp Plus, which adds a set of personalization options on top of the standard messaging experience, according to WABetaInfo . The paid plan Meta is testing appears to be geared towards hardcore users who spend a lot of time in the app: subscribers get access to premium sticker packs with fullscreen overlay animations (visible to recipients without the plan), optional accent colors that replace the app's default green across the UI, and alternate app icons ranging from minimal designs to textured effects like glitter, nebula, and fuzzy purple. The plan also raises the pinned-chat limit from 3 to 20, adds 10 exclusive ringtones, and allows bulk application of custom themes and notification settings across chat lists. While we don't know how much the plan will cost when it goes live, the test interface currently shows €2.49 per month in Europe and $29 in Mexico. Based on the beta, users may eventually see a free one-month trial. Otherwise, WhatsApp's main functionality remains unchanged. Messaging, voice and video calls, status updates, and end-to-end encryption are still free, suggesting the paid tier sits alongside existing features rather than restricting anything that was previously unpaid. Overall, it's a test that was anticipated – Meta has been laying the groundwork for subscription revenue across its apps for some time. The company is already testing "Instagram Plus," a new paid subscription service in select markets for roughly $1–$2/month. That plan offers premium features focused on Stories, such as anonymous viewing, 48-hour story duration, and analytics on re-watches. The optional WhatsApp plan is currently available to a limited number of Android beta users, with a wider rollout planned over the coming weeks. iOS support is expected at a later stage, and the subscription is not expected to apply to WhatsApp Business. Tag: WhatsApp This article, " WhatsApp Testing Paid 'Plus' Subscription Tier – Here's What's Included " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
A future iPhone will almost certainly get a 200-megapixel telephoto camera, but you will have to wait for it. An indecisive leaker now insists it will come by 2028. Apple's Pro-tier iPhones will probably get a 200MP first Apple is always keen to improve the imaging capabilities of the iPhone, with it being a massive selling point . While it has settled on 48-megapixel sensors so far and has resisted the move to triple-digit resolutions, it will inevitably join its rivals in doing so. A Tuesday post by serial Weibo-based leaker Digital Chat Station says that there will be a wait, but not necessarily a massive one. According to the leaker's supply chain sources, Apple is currently evaluating a 200-megapixel periscope telephoto lens. Rumor Score: 🤔 Possible Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Weibo leaker Digital Chat Station (DCS) was the first to suggest that Apple was working on a 200MP camera module for a future iPhone. This would be a huge increase in resolution over the 48MP sensors used in current models. There have been conflicting rumors since then about timings, but it now seems everyone is aligned on a 2028 release … more…
Apple on Monday announced that CEO Tim Cook is stepping down as the company's chief executive officer, with hardware engineering chief John Ternus set to take the helm. In a new Bloomberg report, reporter Mark Gurman suggests one of the reasons Ternus has been chosen as successor is for his decision-making style, which is said to be closer to co-founder Steve Jobs than Cook, who has a more deliberative approach. From the report : "Ternus will make decisions" when it comes to product development, said one person who has worked closely with both executives. "If you go to Tim with 'A' or 'B,' he won't pick. He'll ask a series of questions instead if he has concerns." Ternus, on the other hand, will choose, said the person, who asked not to be identified in order to speak candidly. "It could be right or wrong, but at least it's a decision." That shift could mark the end of an era in which major product decisions were made collectively by a small group of top executives. Ternus is expected to take a more centralized approach where he will be a singular decision-maker. Earlier this month, Ternus reportedly reorganized the hardware engineering division around a new AI platform designed to speed up product development and improve device quality. Ternus is said to be keen to deploy AI quickly throughout Apple to improve its operations, suggesting he is willing to make clear calls and shake things up where necessary. Ternus has also told employees he will remain closely involved in hardware engineering development, indicating a sharper focus on products. He is also reportedly ready to push back when it matters – Ternus apparently opposed development of the Vision Pro, which has flopped, as well as the company's autonomous car project that cost around $10 billion, but was ultimately scrapped. Cook will hand over the reins to Ternus on September 1, in time for him to oversee the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro models as well as the company's first foldable iPhone later the same month. Cook will continue to advise Apple in a new role as executive chairman. Tag: Bloomberg This article, " Report: Ternus to Bring Jobs-Era Decisiveness Back to Apple " first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums
