WhatsApp is developing a first-party cloud storage option for chat backups on iPhone, providing users with an alternative to iCloud for the first time. According to app analyst WABetaInfo, code found in the WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.28.10.16, available through TestFlight, indicates that users will eventually be able to choose their preferred backup destination directly from the app's chat backup settings. iCloud will remain the default option.
WhatsApp Offers 2GB Free and Paid Plans Up to 1TB
The plan reportedly includes 2GB of free storage on Meta's servers, with a 50GB tier priced at approximately $0.99 per month, similar to Apple's entry-level iCloud+ plan. A 1TB option is also in development, though pricing and tiers may change before the official launch. This marks a significant shift, as iPhone users were previously tied exclusively to Apple's ecosystem for chat backups.
Sponsored Protocol
End-to-End Encryption Active by Default on WhatsApp Backups
A key feature is security: backups stored on WhatsApp's servers will be protected by end-to-end encryption (E2EE) by default, with no way to disable it. This provides stronger protection than iCloud, where users must manually enable Advanced Data Protection. WhatsApp will recommend securing backups with a passkey, but a password or 64-digit key will also work. The feature is still under development and not yet functional for beta testers; WhatsApp has not announced a launch date.
Sponsored Protocol
This initiative fits into a broader trend of cloud independence and privacy, as previously discussed in warnings about proprietary cloud risks. For iPhone users, the ability to move away from iCloud could be advantageous, especially with end-to-end encryption enabled without manual setup. According to reliable sources like MacRumors, the feature might launch later this year, but official confirmation from Meta is still pending.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/14/whatsapp-backup-cloud-provider-for-ios
