Here's a morsel of news for fans of WhatsApp -- the instant messaging app is going to start charging iPhone owners an annual fee to use the service.
Currently anyone using an iPhone or iPad will splash out a modest 69p to buy the app, after which you get unlimited use of the service. That's not how it works on Android and BlackBerry however, where customers download the app for free, and then pay an annual fee of $0.99 (about 65p) after that.
At some point this year the iPhone strategy will fall in line with other platforms, TechCrunch reports, citing interviews with WhatsApp's CEO.
The good news is that it seems the new approach will only apply to new customers, so if you've already shelled out your 69 pence, WhatsApp probably won't be demanding any more from you. It's also likely that you'd still get a year's worth of free use before you have to start paying.
WhatsApp is popular because it costs much less than texting, and lets you send messages, photos and emoticons to pals who are using rival operating systems. iPhone, Android phones, BlackBerry and Windows Phone devices all play host to the popular app. A testament to its popularity is that WhatsApp is occasionally plagued by daft hoax messages.
In the same interview, the WhatsApp boss said that a desktop version wouldn't be getting made "any time soon". As for networks getting irate at WhatsApp stealing its SMS customers, the head honcho is quoted as saying, "We actually have a really good relationship with a lot of carriers.
"We understand that a lot of people are switching to our product instead of SMS but we look at it as evolution."
Are you a WhatsApp fan? Would you rather pay every year, or pay once and never have to worry about it again? Let me know in the comments, or on our Facebook wall.
Android App 
RSS Feeds 
iPhone App 
Newsletters 
Comments 27
Add your comment
anonymous 19 March, 2013 14:56
why would carriers/ networks be angry?
They already ransom data on phones, lets not forget the 4g EE deal with data.
Data has become a commodity, which we are getting bent over for.
anonymous 19 March, 2013 15:49
@ Anonymous 14:56
Except if your on Three, then you just have to suffer poor customer service instead.
davefromwales 19 March, 2013 16:05
yea, I cant see why carriers would get angry, they basically have ultd SMS on most plans now anyways. of course pic messaging is where they could be losing some revenue, although im sure they claw it back on the data charges
anonymous 19 March, 2013 16:08
Not only iphone but also Android phones to
the price is the same 69p
Now we need to pay for the internet and the app
WHATS NEXT?????????????
anonymous 19 March, 2013 16:42
anonymous 19 March, 2013 15:49
I switched to 3 in December on a monthly rolling contract(nexus 4) and find the service superb so far. Granted I haven't had to deal with their customer service yet but I'd be amazed if it's worse than Orange. After I was out of contract it took me 4 attempts to cancel my contract with apparently no notes taken on my 3 previous calls, insurance hadn't been removed as per my request. When someone of minimal competence finally did put through my notice they declined to inform me of the need to take my PAC Code at that time. That meant reconnecting and giving another 30 days notice. When I requested an unlock code i was advised it would take 3 to 4 weeks to get an email with the code. yes an email. Oh and that that will be another £20. I didn't pay that but the rest did cost me approx £150. £150 for their incompetence. And they had the cheek to keep phoning during this time to offer absurd 4G plans. I'll take my chances with 3
KashAli 19 March, 2013 17:34
That's Just sick I am moving to other apps now. Whatsapp stop being too greedy like Apple before it use to work for them not anymore by always saying "Twice as fast" (the new iPhone) now they don't even make any money shut the Apple company down was very disappointed. Samsung's Galaxy S4 oh yes!
anonymous 19 March, 2013 21:37
WhatsApp is brilliant and well worth 69p a year. I don't get free picture messages on my contract and I like to send pictures to my family. WhatsApp allows me to do this. I don't mind paying for something as useful as this app.
Dave.
anonymous 19 March, 2013 23:22
before I except to fork out a yearly fee I expect WhatsApp to make their service reliable.. HATE!!! it when I open the app wanting to send a message and I need to wait a few sec or in some cases a few min before its connected and allow me to send a message or receive on and lets not forget down services.
anonymous 20 March, 2013 07:24
Time to switch over to another app me thinks!!
anonymous 20 March, 2013 11:06
@KashAli
69p is so much money compared to what you paid to get the S4, that just shows your level.. I don't know you, but based on your comment I'm sure Apple is better off after you left, can't picture a competent and intellectual person to comment your way
Anyway there are so many messaging apps, I use different ones depending on my friends' use and my need.. I will still keep using whatsapp, until all my friends leave the app.
KashAli 20 March, 2013 11:56
@anonymous 20 March, 2013 11:06 yes it is cos I do not use my bank cards or gift cards to pay for apps or any additional costs. All I do is use free apps and their are 100s ov em so switching to another.
anonymous 21 March, 2013 22:26
I want whatsapp icfuddcicjcjcjjc
anonymous 21 March, 2013 22:28
Hduxhxjxxucjcj
billfred 22 March, 2013 12:58
Derp Derp Derp, damn whatsapp for trying to make money from the service they provide deeeeerp.
Besides mine keeps saying I have to pay then gives up and I can continue for free anyway. Stop bitching.
anonymous 22 March, 2013 14:58
Hey, guys :) I am checking out what other instant messengers offer. Line, Viber, KakaoTalk, Vippie, rebtel... everything is the same I like Viber's stickers And I like free calls to united states and canada to non-users that Vippie offers. Can you advise something? :)
Peter Thompson 22 March, 2013 19:16
I'm an Android user but I don't see the problem with the yearly thing. Yeah free is good but Whatsapp has always been reliable for me 99 percent of the time and at the end of the day services like this cost to run. They could have charged a lot more but they are charging next to nothing
anonymous 20 April, 2013 15:03
It is good software thanks
anonymous 8 May, 2013 11:43
I love this apps
anonymous 8 May, 2013 11:45
I love it
anonymous 8 May, 2013 11:46
I love it
anonymous 14 May, 2013 23:30
Wi-Fi at home,, Wi-Fi at work,, Wi-Fi hotspots every where,, if your smart then you will never need much of your networks data any way and lets face it at 69p a year its cheaper than a mars bar,, its one of the best android app i`ve ever downloaded
anonymous 24 May, 2013 21:49
I want to install whatsapp,but it is impossible. Why?
anonymous 25 May, 2013 08:13
That's not how it works on Android and BlackBerry however, where customers download the app for free, and then pay an annual fee of $0.99 (about 65p) after that.
That is NOT true. I have an Android phone and have been using Whatsapp for free for years. Where did that come from????
anonymous 10 June, 2013 09:55
how do i do the subscription?
anonymous 10 June, 2013 10:02
how do i do the subscription? i'm using an iphone by the way
anonymous 16 June, 2013 12:45
I downloaded whatsapp when it was free on app store between christmas and new year.
Now i dont have to pay yearly fee for using whatsapp.
anonymous 16 June, 2013 23:19
I payed a total of £2.59 for 5yrs whatsap services... next to nothing!