WhatsApp no longer free...will you pay?

[pegasi]

Well, it is still free to use so longer you are on wifi, but no longer free to install the app.

Many of my friends who use Android phone received a notification that said the app had expired and that they would need to pay for subscription.

It used to be that only iPhones need to pay for the installation but it is now disadvantage on non-iPhone.

Statement from WhatsApp website:

For iPhone there is only a one-time charge, when you first download the app. Thankfully, Apple lets you re-download WhatsApp for free, as many times as you need. Please remember to use the same AppleID each time.

For all other phone types (Android, BlackBerry, Windows Phone, and Nokia), WhatsApp is free to download and try for the first year. After which, you have the option of subscribing to an additional year of service for $0.99 USD.

Subscriptions are cumulative, so if you pay for an additional year of service, it will add to your current subscription or free year-long trial. There is no difference between the free and paid versions of WhatsApp other than the length of service.

There are other similar and better apps such as LINE and Viber, so I will dump WhatsApp when mine expires in a week's time and use LINE (which I have been using for a while).

[TanWL]

I won't pay, i will stick with sms and further more my sms is always under use.

[r1_77]

i download WhatsApp around 4year ago, during that time its not free & had to paid US$0.99

[david.tan]

last year Xmas have promo which is free for certain period only, and back to chargeable

[minimerc]

It saves u a lot more money if u do lots of group SMS and group meetings. Alternatively, try using WeChat. Better than whatsapp except u can't download and email the chat history.

[pegasi]

Some advantages of using those communication apps over sms/mms:

- group chat
- free multi-media files sharing (pics, document etc) with wifi connection
- free calls with wifi connection - useful when you are overseas (can't do this with WhatsApp though)

Sending mult-media files using mms is expensive (more so when roaming), and no free sms when you are overseas.

[satch]

It's only 99 cents a year.... I will just pay.

[dragonforce]

i am using android phone, i am not being prompted to pay for the app.

[pegasi]

It's only 99 cents a year.... I will just pay.

Haha I knew someone would say that. I am one who do not download any mobile phone app that is chargeable. I also think I could live without WhatsApp.

On the Google Play Store, there are more than 2 millions reviews of WhatsApp. We know not every user give a review. So let's vaguely say half of the 2 millions are non-iPhone user that must now subscribe to use the app. That's a near USD 1 million handsome revenue per year.

[minimerc]

Usd0.99 is cheaper compared to POSB'a monthly fee of 2 bucks regardless of balance!

[pegasi]

i am using android phone, i am not being prompted to pay for the app.

Could be the time is not up yet.

To check the expiry date in Android, go to Settings->Account->Payment Info->Service expiration

A fellow member told me his Samsung phone shows "lifetime" and he first installed WhatsApp in iPhone. So I guess the subscription is carried over from iPhone but I am not sure.

[feilong108]

Using Android....just check the settings....LIFETIME.....

[pegasi]

not important for me my mobile price plan free for 1000 sms or mms
no choice every time watch for sale at sg roc no pic ask to send pic do you have WhatsApp if i say no pic not send alamak so i download WhatsApp i got it for free this all free app what i know if you upgrade you pay lah but what i know chargeable app one time payment you can download at same account for apple lah for the example i download sgmy calendar in 2011 is free very good i can say recommendation app lah public holiday school holiday festive season all in but three months after i see alamak usd 99c year after year non chargeable i dont know this WhatsApp have yearly chargeable sound like property tax alamak

Bro, do you talk like you write...without commas or full stops?

[pegasi]

look at my Signature

I was just kidding so don't angry ok but i don't think no full stops has much to do with poor english anyway I see you tomorrow

[blueysmurfy]

is this chargeable whatsapp thing another hoax? the rumour has been around for ages... just like facebook will start charging people etc. Anyway, if need to pay, I will delete the app!