WhatsApp is introducing a first-party cloud storage alternative to iCloud on iPhone. This will give users the option to choose where to upload their cloud backups.
Code has been discovered in the iOS version 26.28.10.16 beta of WhatsApp. As first reported by WABetaInfo, the beta’s code was found in TestFlight. As identified, the new first-party cloud solution will enable users to choose their preferred backup destination within the app’s chat backup settings.
iCloud is said to remain the default option on iPhone. The report claims that WhatsApp has no clear intention of removing iCloud as an option, so existing users who use iCloud backups don’t have to worry.
WhatsApp will reportedly offer tiered options for users looking to use its cloud backup. For instance, by default, users get 2GB of free storage for backing up chats, photos, videos, and more. These are then stored on WhatsApp’s own servers. A 50GB option will then be available at around $0.99 USD (roughly $1.40 CAD). Apparently, a 1TB option will also be introduced. Once made available to the public, storage allotments and pricing may change.
WhatsApp’s servers will be protected by end-to-end encryption by default. There won’t be any way to turn that encryption off. This is in stark contrast to iCloud, where encryption must be enabled manually via Advanced Data Protection. It’s also claimed that WhatsApp will recommend that users set up backups using a passkey, password, or 64-digit key.
As with all WhatsApp betas, the testing phase is drawn out for as long as the company needs to finalize new features and software. The cloud backup solution is not yet live for beta testers. So, it may be quite some time before WhatsApp releases this option to the public. No official plans have been set.
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