WhatsApp is building its own cloud backup service for iPhone, allowing users to bypass iCloud entirely. With 2 GB of free storage and default end‑to‑end encryption, the feature promises better privacy and relief from iCloud space constraints.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • iPhone users will get an optional WhatsApp‑hosted backup, eliminating the need for iCloud
  • Initial offering includes 2 GB of free encrypted cloud storage
  • Android will receive a parallel service with similar pricing and security

WhatsApp is reportedly developing a first‑party cloud backup solution for iPhone, a move that could free millions of users from Apple’s 5 GB free iCloud limit. The discovery came from a WABetaInfo leak that exposed the feature in the iOS beta build 26.28.10.16, distributed via TestFlight.

How the Feature Works

When rolled out, the backup screen in WhatsApp Settings will present two choices: the traditional iCloud option and a new WhatsApp‑hosted cloud. iCloud will remain the default, but users can switch to the WhatsApp service at any time, and later revert if they wish.

Storage Allocation and Pricing

WhatsApp plans to provide **2 GB of free cloud storage** dedicated solely to chat backups. Apple’s free tier of 5 GB is shared across photos, files, device backups, and other apps, and WhatsApp backups often consume a large chunk of that pool. By moving chats to a separate 2 GB bucket, iPhone owners can preserve their iCloud space for other data.

For users needing more capacity, paid tiers are being tested. A 50 GB plan is rumored to cost roughly $0.99 (≈ ₹95) per month, with a 1 TB tier also on the roadmap. Prices are still under internal review and may shift before the public launch.

Privacy Enhancements

The upcoming service will automatically apply end‑to‑end encryption to all backups, a step up from iCloud where encrypted WhatsApp backups must be manually enabled. WhatsApp recommends securing the backup with a passkey stored in the device’s password manager, though a traditional password or a 64‑digit encryption key will also be accepted. Crucially, only the account owner can decrypt the backup—Meta and WhatsApp themselves will have no decryption capability.

Android Parity

The effort isn’t limited to iOS. WhatsApp is also building an identical first‑party backup for Android, aimed at reducing reliance on Google Drive. The Android version is expected to mirror the 2 GB free allocation and mandatory end‑to‑end encryption.

Overall, if the feature launches as described, it could solve a persistent storage headache for iPhone users while raising the bar for privacy standards across both major mobile platforms.