WhatsApp is in the process of developing a new feature for iPhone users that would allow them to back up chats, photos, videos, and documents directly to WhatsApp’s own cloud storage. This would provide an alternative to Apple’s iCloud, which is currently the default backup service for iPhone users. The proposed feature is expected to offer 2GB of free cloud storage for backups, with options to purchase additional storage if needed.
For those requiring more space, WhatsApp plans to introduce paid storage options, with an entry-level package reportedly offering 50GB. Additional plans with higher storage capacities are also in development. Users opting for WhatsApp’s cloud service would have the flexibility to switch back to iCloud whenever they choose.
Importantly, these cloud backups from WhatsApp are anticipated to come with end-to-end encryption by default, ensuring that all backup data remains secure and protected from unauthorized access. This emphasis on security could be a significant draw for users concerned about data privacy.
Currently, this new feature is undergoing testing via Apple’s TestFlight platform, though no official release date has been announced. Alongside this development for iPhone users, reports suggest that WhatsApp is working on a similar cloud backup solution for Android devices, indicating a broader rollout in the future.