While a whole bunch of instant messaging services are popping into the App Store for free – Line, Kakao Talk, Chat On, We Chat and a whole load more, Whatsapp has decided to start charging its iOS users on a yearly subscription of USD$0.99. Earlier this year, the CEO of Whatsapp announced that they will be implementing a subscription-based service on the app for Apple iOS platform and it looks like it’s here with the latest app update (available immediately at the iTunes store) version 2.10.1.
In the description section of the app in iTunes, Whatsapp has added a new note stating:
“First year FREE! ($0.99/year after)”
According to Google Cache of the same page, the app cost USD0.99 with no other payments applicable (screenshot available after the break).
If you give the app an update, hit the “Settings” tab, followed by “Account” and “Payment Info” to check out your Service limit. I personally bought the app years ago for USD$0.99 and it’s now free for a lifetime, says the Service description under my Whatsapp account.
Finally, the update also brings in several new features such as multi-send, the ability to send multiple photos at the same time, and the ability to back up chat history into the iCloud. Visit iTunes for more information.
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