WhatsApp is reportedly working on its own cloud backup service for iPhone users, potentially reducing reliance on Apple’s iCloud for chat backups. If introduced, the feature would allow users to back up and restore their chats directly through WhatsApp, offering a more integrated backup experience within the app.
According to reports from WABetaInfo, references to the new feature have been spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta version, indicating that it is currently under development. The new option is expected to appear in the Chat Backup settings, allowing users to choose WhatsApp Cloud as their preferred backup destination without leaving the application. Apple iCloud is still expected to remain available as the default backup option.
Reports suggest that WhatsApp may provide up to 2GB of free cloud storage for chat backups. Users requiring additional space could be offered a 50GB plan priced at around $0.99 per month (approximately ₹85–₹90), bringing it in line with Apple’s entry-level iCloud+ subscription. Industry speculation also points to the possibility of a 1TB storage plan for users with larger backup requirements, although Meta has not officially confirmed any pricing or storage tiers.
One of the biggest advantages of WhatsApp Cloud could be enhanced security. The service is expected to support end-to-end encrypted cloud backups by default, ensuring that backed-up chats remain accessible only to the account owner. Reports also suggest that WhatsApp may introduce passkey authentication, allowing users to secure cloud backups using biometric verification or their device PIN.
For comparison, iCloud backups are not universally end-to-end encrypted unless users manually enable Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature. By making encryption a standard feature, WhatsApp could offer an additional layer of privacy for its users.
The development comes as WhatsApp continues to expand its premium offerings. The platform, which originally charged users an annual subscription fee before becoming free in 2016, has now introduced its WhatsApp Plus subscription in India. If the company launches its own cloud storage service, industry observers believe the feature could eventually be bundled with the Plus subscription, giving paying users additional storage and premium backup capabilities.
Meta has not yet announced an official launch date, and the cloud backup feature remains under development.
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