WhatsApp is developing its own cloud backup option for iPhone users.
WhatsApp is developing a backup service with 2GB of free storage and paid plans of up to 1TB.
Joe Maring / Digital Trends
If you're frequently running out of iCloud storage, WhatsApp may soon offer a solution. Code discovered in the WhatsApp beta for iOS by WABetaInfo indicates that Meta is creating its own cloud backup service specifically for iPhone users.
For the first time, you will have the option to save your WhatsApp chat history on WhatsApp’s servers instead of relying on iCloud. This feature is still under development and is not available to beta testers yet, with no official launch date given.
Will there be a free backup service from WhatsApp?
Anton / Pexels
When the feature is released, you will be able to select your preferred backup provider directly in the chat backup settings within WhatsApp. iCloud will remain the default option, so if you do not change it, nothing will differ.
WhatsApp plans to offer 2GB of free storage initially. For more intensive users, a 50GB paid plan is expected to cost approximately $0.99 per month, similar to Apple's lowest-tier iCloud plan. A 1TB option is also being considered, but all pricing and tiers are still in the early stages and may be subject to change.
The practical advantages are significant since Apple provides only 5GB of free iCloud storage for all uses, and WhatsApp backups can consume a large portion of this, especially for those who frequently share media.
WhatsApp’s backup service promises greater privacy than iCloud
A notable distinction between iCloud and WhatsApp’s own service lies in encryption. With iCloud, end-to-end encryption for WhatsApp backups is optional and must be activated manually. However, on WhatsApp’s servers, it will be mandatory, meaning users cannot disable it, and even Meta would not have access to your backup.
WhatsApp suggests securing your backup with a passkey, but a standard password or a 64-digit key will also suffice. Another potential benefit is the ability to restore across platforms, since WhatsApp managing its own backup infrastructure could eventually enable users to switch from iPhone to Android without losing chat history.
However, some remain skeptical. Responses online have been doubtful, with many users expressing concerns about trusting Meta with their chat backups, independent of the encryption assurances.
Manisha Priyadarshini is a technology and entertainment writer with over nine years of editorial experience.
Made by Google August 2026: What to Anticipate from the Pixel 11 Launch Event
Tensor G6. Gemini Intelligence. Higher prices. Google's largest hardware event in years will take place on August 12, and here's what significant leaks indicate we should expect.
The forthcoming three months will shape the smartphone market worldwide. As three leading manufacturers prepare to reveal the next generation of foldable and flagship devices, the memory crisis worsens each quarter, resulting in increased phone prices across all categories. Samsung will introduce its newest foldables on July 22, 2026, followed by Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus, unveiling the iPhone 18 Pro and the first foldable iPhone in September, as they do annually. However, the month of August is reserved for Google’s “Made by Google” launch event, focusing on hardware and showcasing the Pixel 11 series.
Your iPhone could soon alert you to potentially harmful iMessages
Apple seems to be enhancing protection for iMessage against scams and cyber threats. Code found in the iOS 26.6 beta 5 unveils a feature called Malicious Message Detected, which generates a warning when your iPhone recognizes a potentially harmful incoming message. The feature was initially highlighted by a user on X, who shared a mock-up of the alert.
Huawei Pura 90s Pro series makes its global debut; its camera array may concern iPhone users
Huawei's latest flagship phones are packed with impressive camera technology, rivaling some of the best available in smartphones. The Huawei Pura 90s Pro and Pura 90s Pro Max have officially launched outside of China, starting in Malaysia, where they are now available for order. Huawei plans to extend availability to more international markets in the coming months. The Pura 90s Pro starts at 3,699 Malaysian ringgit (approximately $907), while the Pro Max is priced at 4,899 ringgit (around $1,202). The Pro Max model boasts exceptional camera capabilities.
Other articles
The Huawei Pura 90s Pro series has launched globally, and its camera system has the potential to intimidate iPhones.
Huawei's Pura 90s Pro series has launched in global markets, featuring variable-aperture cameras and an impressive 200MP telephoto sensor that poses a challenge to Apple's imaging technology.
I allow Gemini to tend to my houseplants, and they have never appeared healthier.
I used to lose more plants than I managed to keep alive. However, after seeking help from Gemini, my indoor jungle finally started to flourish.
The EU has excluded smart glasses from regulations requiring removable batteries.
Brussels has made exceptions in its battery regulation for wearables, allowing Meta's glasses to proceed. On the other hand, Nintendo is withdrawing the Switch from the European market.
Your iPhone may soon identify harmful iMessages before they can cause any harm.
A new feature in iOS 26.6 will notify you when a potentially suspicious iMessage is identified, allowing you to share it with Apple to aid in enhancing future security measures.
Anthropic pledges $10 million to support AI research in Canada, collaborating with eight institutions.
Anthropic is providing financial support to Amii, Mila, Vector Institute, and five additional Canadian organizations. Canada holds the second position globally for per-capita Claude usage, following the United States.
IBM's stock drops after its initial Q2 revenue fails to meet expectations, despite a significant increase in AI bookings.
IBM released preliminary results for Q2, revealing revenue of $17 billion, which fell short of analyst expectations due to changes in client spending and the inability to finalize large deals.
WhatsApp is developing its own cloud backup option for iPhone users.
WhatsApp is developing a cloud backup service for iPhone users, which will provide 2GB of free storage and default end-to-end encryption, serving as an alternative to iCloud.