WhatsApp is reportedly developing a new cloud backup feature for iPhone users that could allow chat backups without relying on Apple iCloud. The feature is still under development and has not yet been released to beta testers. Earlier reports had also suggested that WhatsApp is building a similar backup service for Android users.
According to a report from a platform that tracks WhatsApp updates, the feature was spotted in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.28.10.16 available through TestFlight. Once introduced, iPhone users will reportedly be able to choose between backing up chats to iCloud or WhatsApp’s own cloud servers. iCloud is expected to remain the default option, while users will be free to switch between the 2 services at any time.
WhatsApp is expected to offer 2 GB of free cloud storage for chat backups. This would help users save their 5 GB of free iCloud storage for photos, files, device backups, and other applications. Large WhatsApp backups often consume a significant portion of iCloud storage, leading users to either delete data or upgrade to a paid storage plan.
The report also states that all backups stored on WhatsApp’s cloud service will be protected with end-to-end encryption by default. Unlike iCloud, where encrypted WhatsApp backups must be enabled manually, the new service is expected to secure backups automatically. Users may protect their backups using passkeys stored in their device’s password manager, a password, or a 64-digit encryption key. Only the account owner will be able to access the encrypted backups, while neither WhatsApp nor Meta will be able to decrypt them.
The company is also reportedly developing the same backup solution for Android as an alternative to Google Drive, with 2 GB of free encrypted cloud storage.
In addition, WhatsApp is said to be testing paid storage plans, including a 50 GB option priced at around $0.99 (approximately ₹95) per month and a 1 TB plan. However, both the pricing and storage options are still under development and may change before the official launch.
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