From: schmidtisblog.de
Published in cooperation with schmidtisblog.de
In the current beta version 2.26.3.9 for Android, a specific price for ad-free WhatsApp use appears for the first time. Accordingly, Meta will charge around four euros for advertising freedom.
The free messenger is preparing for a drastic change. In the current beta version 2.26.3.9 for Android, a specific price tag for ad-free use appears for the first time. Meta will probably charge around 4 euros a month in the future if you want to use the “Current” tab without interruptions. The developers are reacting to the strict EU regulations that enforce freedom of choice between using data for advertising and a paid, ad-free model.
Whatsapp introduces payment principle: Where advertising is integrated
The principle is already known from Facebook and Instagram. Anyone who doesn’t pay will see sponsored channels and advertisements between their contacts’ status updates. As far as we know now, private chats and calls remain unaffected.
WhatsApp only integrates advertising in the area for status messages and channels, as there is no need to break end-to-end encryption of private communication here. Instead, the system uses coarse signals such as location and language for targeting.
Expected to launch later this year
Billing takes place directly as an in-app purchase via the Google Play Store. You can manage or cancel your subscription there at any time. Meta has been testing advertising in the USA since last year, and now the wave is inevitably spreading to Europe. After almost 20 years without any significant income, the parent company is turning on the money. We expect the introduction during 2026 as soon as the technical and legal hurdles have been completely overcome.
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