WhatsApp Plus is an exclusive mod application for Android only. Contrasting with the official version of WhatsApp, this particular mod is unavailable in Google Play Store markets and thus needs to be downloaded as an APK from third-party sources. This app was designed to give good performance on Android phones if their technical specifications at least contain 4 GB of RAM and run on Android Version 5.0, aka Lollipop.
The installation process is simple, yet different from standard applications. To install the APK file, the user has to enable the “Unknown Sources” option in the device’s settings. This is because WhatsApp Plus is an unofficial application; that is the very reason it cannot work on Apple’s iOS ecosystem. According to Statista, Android holds more than 72% of the global smartphone market share, making it the main platform for modified applications such as WhatsApp Plus.
WhatsApp Plus compatibility with Android devices stretches further to a greater number of features not included in the official version. The application allows the sending of files as large as 50 MB, quite bigger compared to WhatsApp, that supports files up to 16 MB. In such cases, users of this app benefit, such as photographers and designers, who handle large file sizes. One Indonesian graphic designer said WhatsApp Plus streamlined his workflow; he estimated it saved him 15% of work time by not having to compress files.
While WhatsApp Plus does function on Android, there are serious downsides to using it. This app does not use encryption to protect user data in transit. In 2022, cybersecurity firms warned of a surge in phony WhatsApp Plus APKs that installed malware on over 200,000 Android devices worldwide. These incidents bring up the importance of ensuring the app is downloaded from a reputable source to avoid some security threats.
In addition, WhatsApp publicly announced in 2020 that “users will be banned for using unofficial apps like WhatsApp Plus.” This policy only applies to Android users, as the app is not compatible with iOS. However, millions of Android users continue to download the app, citing its customization options, such as over 700 free themes and advanced privacy settings like hiding online status.
Regarding its installation and compatibility, WhatsApp Plus will work well on most Android phones if installed correctly. Go to whatsapp plus to download WhatsApp Plus and explore more of its unique features.