WhatsApp beta reveals an iCloud alternative for iPhone chat backups

WhatsApp is developing a new first-party cloud storage option for chat backups on iPhone, giving users an alternative to iCloud for the first time, according to a report by WABetaInfo. Code discovered in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS, available through TestFlight, suggests users will eventually be able to choose their preferred backup destination directly from the app's Chat Backup settings. However, iCloud is expected to remain the default backup option.

The feature builds on one first spotted by WABetaInfo in an Android beta back in April. It is expected to give WhatsApp users an alternative to backing up their chats on Google Drive by allowing them to store backups directly on WhatsApp's own cloud servers.

According to reports, WhatsApp will offer 2GB of free cloud storage, along with a 50GB subscription tier priced at around $0.99 per month, similar to Apple's entry-level iCloud+ plan. A 1TB storage option is also said to be in development, although the pricing and storage tiers could change before the feature is officially rolled out.

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Backups stored on WhatsApp's servers will reportedly be protected by end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default, with users unable to disable the security feature. This offers stronger protection than iCloud backups, where users must manually enable encryption through Advanced Data Protection (ADP). WhatsApp is also expected to recommend securing backups with a passkey, though users will also be able to use a password or a 64-digit encryption key.

According to WABetaInfo, the feature remains under development and is not yet functional in the latest beta releases. WhatsApp has not announced a timeline for its public rollout.