WhatsApp is in the process of developing a new feature that would allow iPhone users to back up their chats, photos, videos, and documents directly to WhatsApp’s own cloud storage, providing an alternative to Apple’s iCloud. This development aims to give users more flexibility in how they store their backup data.
The new feature is expected to offer 2GB of free cloud storage for these backups. For users requiring more space, there may be options to purchase additional storage through various paid plans. Initial reports suggest that these plans would start with an entry-level option offering 50GB, and further plans with higher capacities are also in the works.
This feature is designed to be optional. By default, iCloud will remain the backup service for iPhone users, but those who opt for WhatsApp’s cloud storage will have the ability to switch back to iCloud whenever they choose. What’s more, these cloud backups are anticipated to come with end-to-end encryption as a standard feature, ensuring that all backup data remains secure and protected.
The feature is currently under testing on Apple’s TestFlight platform, though there is no confirmed timeline for its public availability as of now. Additionally, reports indicate that WhatsApp is also working on a similar cloud backup feature for Android users, expanding the potential reach of this service across different operating systems.