In a move that could shift how iPhone users manage their data, WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that would enable users to back up their chats, photos, videos, and documents directly to WhatsApp’s own cloud storage. This development marks a departure from the current reliance on Apple’s iCloud for backup purposes.
The anticipated feature is set to offer 2GB of free storage for these backups. For users requiring more space, WhatsApp is said to be planning various paid options. The initial tier reportedly includes 50GB of storage, with additional plans for higher capacities in the works. Despite these new offerings, iCloud will remain the default backup service for iPhone users.
One of the most significant aspects of this new feature is the expectation that WhatsApp’s cloud backups will incorporate end-to-end encryption by default. This measure is aimed at maintaining the security and privacy of user data. For those who opt to switch to WhatsApp’s cloud storage for backups, the flexibility to revert back to iCloud will reportedly remain available at any time.
Currently, this feature is under testing via Apple’s TestFlight platform, and there is no confirmed timeline for when it might be released to the public. In addition to this iPhone-specific development, WhatsApp is also reportedly working on a similar cloud storage backup solution for Android users, potentially broadening the scope of this new offering across different operating systems.