WhatsApp is developing its own cloud storage service for iPhone chat backups, giving users an alternative to iCloud for the first time. The feature was first spotted by WABetaInfo in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS (version 26.28.10.16), currently available through TestFlight.
Code discovered in the beta suggests WhatsApp is adding a new option to choose a backup provider from the Chat Backup settings. While iCloud remains the default option, WhatsApp’s own cloud storage service appears as an additional choice.
WhatsApp could offer free and paid backup plans
According to WABetaInfo, WhatsApp plans to include 2GB of free cloud storage for chat backups stored on its own servers. If the feature launches, iPhone users will be able to back up their chats without relying entirely on iCloud.
The report also references a 50GB storage plan priced at approximately $0.99 per month, matching Apple’s entry-level iCloud+ subscription.
A 1TB storage tier has also been spotted in development, although WhatsApp could still change its pricing or storage options before the feature officially launches.
WhatsApp is reportedly developing the same cloud backup service for Android.
Earlier this year, WABetaInfo reported that the company was testing an alternative to Google Drive for Android chat backups. If both versions launch, the backup experience could become consistent across iPhone and Android devices.
Backups will remain end-to-end encrypted
One of the biggest differences between WhatsApp’s cloud storage and iCloud may be security.
According to WABetaInfo, all backups stored on WhatsApp’s servers will be protected by end-to-end encryption by default, with no option to disable that protection.
By comparison, iCloud backups only receive the same level of protection when users manually enable Advanced Data Protection.
WhatsApp is also expected to recommend protecting cloud backups with a passkey, although users will still have the option to secure them with a password or a 64-digit encryption key.
The feature remains under development and is not yet available to beta testers.
WhatsApp has not announced when its cloud backup service will begin rolling out to users.
If it launches, the feature would give iPhone users more flexibility over where they store their chat backups while offering another encrypted alternative to Apple’s iCloud service.
Would you trust WhatsApp’s own cloud storage over iCloud for backing up your chats? Let us know in the comments below.
