Mashreq Pakistan, part of Mashreq, one of the MENA region’s leading financial institutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Ufone, aimed at bringing essential telecom services directly into the Mashreq app. Customers will now be able to top up their mobile credit and purchase Ufone bundles without leaving their banking interface marking a new step in digital service integration.

As more consumers gravitate toward bundled digital offerings, this collaboration is designed to meet growing demand for seamless, unified platforms. By embedding telco services into its app, Mashreq is transforming how customers access and manage everyday needs offering not just convenience, but a reimagined digital lifestyle experience.

“We are constantly looking for ways to make everyday services easier and more accessible for our customers,” said Hamayun Sajjad, CEO, Mashreq Pakistan. “With the growing demand for mobile data and bundles, this partnership ensures our customers can access what they need quickly, securely, and directly through the Mashreq app.”

Syed Atif Raza, Group Chief Commercial Officer, PTCL & Ufone 4G added, “Integrating Ufone’s products & services into the Mashreq app gives customers a simpler way to stay connected. This partnership reflects our focus on ease, access, and everyday relevance. We’re committed to shaping experiences that fit naturally into people’s lives, and this collaboration is another step in that direction.”

The move comes as telcos and digital banks across the region explore new ways to collaborate, offering services that go beyond their traditional roles. For Ufone, this marks an opportunity to meet customers where they are digitally, securely, and conveniently.

For Mashreq, the partnership aligns with its broader ambition to embed real-world services into its digital banking ecosystem. It also reflects the bank’s commitment to enabling financial inclusion and lifestyle convenience through local insight and global best practices.

As part of its ‘Rise Every Day’ philosophy, Mashreq continues to invest in innovations that empower users across all segments, from everyday consumers to small businesses, building a smarter, more connected financial future for Pakistan.

WhatsApp is developing new premium customization features that would allow users to change the app’s theme, icon, and accent color, according to findings from the latest beta version for Android. These features will only be available to those who pay for premium features.

The features were spotted in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.6.1, which is available through the Google Play Store.

iOS Feature That Never Launched

WhatsApp previously tested a feature in the iOS beta version 24.1.10.70 that allowed users to change the app’s main branding color. The goal was to give users more control over the app’s appearance and improve accessibility for people with visual impairments or specific color preferences.

However, that feature was never released on iOS. WhatsApp decided to keep it on hold indefinitely, stating it needed more confidence that the feature would meet user needs.

New Customization Options

Now, WhatsApp appears to be revisiting customization with a new approach tied to a premium subscription. In the Android beta, WhatsApp is testing two premium features focused on visual customization.

The first feature allows users to change the app icon. WhatsApp has designed 14 new icons for this purpose. These include themed designs such as Aurora, Fluffy, Galaxy, Clay, Sparkle, and Neon. The company has also created seven single-color icons in brown, purple, orange, green, blue, pink, and monochrome. In addition, users will have the option to use the classic WhatsApp icon that was refreshed several years ago.

Theme Color Customization

The second premium feature allows users to change the app’s branding color. Similar to the previously tested iOS feature, this option lets users select from 19 different colors.

Available colors include the default green, royal blue, violet, navy blue, light purple, dark grey, coral, dark olive green, teal, burgundy, brown, beige, seafoam green, yellow, olive green, pink, red, orange, and golden yellow.

When a user selects a new branding color, various interface elements will update to match it, including filters, tabs, floating action buttons, and other parts of the interface.

New Paid Subscription Plan

These customization tools are being developed as part of WhatsApp’s upcoming premium plan, first referenced in the Android beta version 2.26.4.8. The plan will be offered through a monthly subscription, though pricing has not yet been announced and may differ by country.

WhatsApp has stated that the premium plan will be optional. Core features, including private messaging, will remain free for all users. The premium tier is intended only for users who want additional features and customization options.

Might Change Before Launch

WhatsApp noted that the premium plan is still evolving. Some features currently under development may be refined or removed before the official release, while additional options could be added later.

The customization features are still in development and will be released in a future update. Once testing is complete, WhatsApp plans to roll them out gradually to select beta testers to gather feedback ahead of a wider launch.