WhatsApp users must pay for the practical feature.

August 14, 2026, 6:02 pm | Read time: 2 minutes

Emoji reactions to messages have become commonplace on WhatsApp. So far, only a selection of standard symbols is directly visible. WhatsApp is now working on a change that will allow this selection to be altered. However, the new option is not intended for all users but is set to be part of the paid Plus subscription.

Custom Emojis in the Reaction Bar

The portal specializing in WhatsApp updates, “WABetaInfo,” discovered the feature in the iPhone beta with version number 26.32.10.16. A customizable reaction bar is planned there.

Users will soon be able to decide which six emojis appear in the bar. The available slots can be filled with any symbols. The selection is not meant to be permanent. Users can later change their favorites or revert to the original setup.

This would make the reaction bar more aligned with personal habits. Opening the full emoji selection would thus be needed less frequently.

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Emojis have become indispensable on platforms like WhatsApp and others.

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Feature Belongs to WhatsApp Plus

According to the report, the new emoji feature is intended for WhatsApp Plus. It would thus be part of a second wave of paid additional features within the subscription. What other innovations are part of this second wave is not yet known. The report does not provide specific details on this.

WhatsApp Plus has been gradually offered to selected Android users since April 2026. The subscription has been available on the iPhone since May. The current scope includes premium stickers, 18 additional color schemes, and 14 alternative app icons. Additionally, up to 20 chats can be pinned.

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Availability Not Yet Known

WhatsApp Plus also includes ten exclusive ringtones. There are also settings that can be applied to multiple chats simultaneously.

When the customizable emoji bar will appear is still open. The report only states that the feature will later be available on Android as well.

The innovation is currently still in development. On the iPhone, even beta testers cannot yet try out the customization of the reaction bar.

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