Hyderabad : WhatsApp is developing a new cloud backup system for iPhone users that could significantly reduce reliance on Apple’s iCloud for chat backups. According to reports, the upcoming feature will allow users to store their WhatsApp chat backups directly on the company’s own cloud servers, offering a secure and flexible alternative with end-to-end encryption (E2EE) enabled by default.
The feature is currently under development and has not yet been released, even to beta testers. Earlier reports also suggested that WhatsApp is working on a similar first-party backup solution for Android users, providing an alternative to Google Drive.
How the New Backup System Will Work
According to a report from WABetaInfo, the feature was discovered in WhatsApp Beta for iOS version 26.28.10.16, available through TestFlight. Once the feature is officially launched, iPhone users will be able to choose between Apple iCloud and WhatsApp’s own cloud backup service while setting up chat backups.
Although iCloud will remain the default backup option, users will have the flexibility to switch to WhatsApp’s cloud storage at any time and move back to iCloud whenever they choose.
As part of the rollout, WhatsApp is expected to provide 2GB of free cloud storage, allowing users to preserve their limited iCloud space for photos, videos, device backups, documents, and other applications.
Why It Could Be a Better Alternative to iCloud
Currently, Apple offers 5GB of free iCloud storage, which is shared across photos, files, device backups, and app data. Large WhatsApp backups often consume a significant portion of that storage, forcing users to either delete existing data or purchase additional iCloud+ storage plans.
The new WhatsApp backup platform aims to solve this issue by keeping chat backups separate from Apple’s cloud storage while maintaining a high level of security.
One of the biggest advantages is that every backup stored on WhatsApp’s servers will be end-to-end encrypted by default. In contrast, encrypted WhatsApp backups on iCloud currently require users to manually enable encryption before they receive the same level of protection.
Enhanced Security and Privacy
To maximize security, WhatsApp is expected to recommend using a passkey to protect cloud backups. However, users will also have the option to secure their backups with either a custom password or a 64-digit encryption key.
Because the backups are protected with end-to-end encryption, only the account owner will be able to access the stored data. According to the report, WhatsApp and its parent company Meta will not be able to decrypt or read users’ chat backups.
Android Users Will Also Benefit
Reports indicate that WhatsApp is building the same first-party encrypted backup service for Android, allowing users to back up chats without depending on Google Drive. Similar to the iPhone version, Android users are expected to receive 2GB of free encrypted cloud storage.
Paid Storage Plans Under Development
In addition to the free storage tier, WhatsApp is reportedly testing premium cloud storage plans for users who need additional space.
Early reports suggest that a 50GB storage plan could cost around $0.99 per month, while a 1TB storage option is also being evaluated. However, both the pricing and storage tiers remain under development and may change before the feature is officially launched.
Current Status
The new cloud backup system is still in the development phase, and WhatsApp has not announced an official release date. Once available, the feature is expected to give users greater control over their backups, reduce dependence on third-party cloud services, improve privacy through default end-to-end encryption, and offer a more convenient backup experience across both iOS and Android devices.
