WhatsApp is in the process of developing a new feature tailored for iPhone users, allowing them to back up their chats, photos, videos, and documents using WhatsApp’s own cloud storage system rather than Apple’s iCloud. This emerging option is set to provide an initial 2GB of free cloud storage specifically for chat backups. For those requiring additional storage space, WhatsApp is reportedly planning to offer paid plans, with an entry-level option providing 50GB of storage capacity. There are also indications that plans with even higher capacities are currently being developed.
This upcoming feature is designed to be optional, ensuring that iCloud remains the default choice for backup services among iPhone users. However, users who opt for WhatsApp’s cloud storage will retain the flexibility to switch back to iCloud whenever they choose. Furthermore, WhatsApp’s cloud backup system will reportedly incorporate end-to-end encryption as a standard feature, thereby maintaining the secure protection of all backup data.
Currently, this cloud storage feature is undergoing testing through Apple’s TestFlight platform. No official timeline has been released for when this feature will become available to the general public. However, it is clear that WhatsApp is committed to enhancing user experience and security with this development.
In addition to the iPhone-focused update, WhatsApp is also said to be working on a similar cloud backup option for Android users. This move aims to provide a comprehensive and secure backup solution across different platforms, aligning with the company’s goal of broadening its services and ensuring data protection for all its users.