The major changes are focused on WhatsApp Channels and Status. For the first time, Channel owners will have the option to charge a monthly subscription fee, giving followers access to exclusive updates. Additionally, a new Promoted Channels feature will allow people to pay to increase their channel’s visibility.

Today, @WhatsApp is introducing new features in the Updates tab (like channel subscriptions, promoted channels and ads in Status) without changing anything about your personal chats (they remain end to end encrypted). https://t.co/agscs7n1o6 — Meta Newsroom (@MetaNewsroom) June 16, 2025

WhatsApp Ads face no apparent legal pushback in terms of privacy norms, said industry experts while privacy advocates argued ads still violate the privacy principles on which the app was created.

While privacy concerns have made monetizing the app a challenge, Meta is again betting on ads to address its revenue goals.

WhatsApp rolls out ads in Updates section as Meta monetizes the messaging app. Discover how this changes your private messaging experience forever.

OpenAI made the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter. The company wrote, “ChatGPT image generation is now available in WhatsApp via 1-800-ChatGPT. Now available to everyone.” Another post stated, “Don't forget to link your ChatGPT account to 1-800-ChatGPT in WhatsApp to get more image generations.”