WhatsApp is developing a new feature that would allow iPhone users to back up their chat history without relying on Apple’s iCloud. The move, discovered in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS by WABetaInfo, points to Meta’s plan to introduce its own encrypted cloud storage service for conversation backups.
Currently, iPhone users must use iCloud for WhatsApp backups, requiring sufficient iCloud storage space. The upcoming change would give users the option to choose between iCloud and WhatsApp’s own cloud service, potentially easing storage constraints for those who frequently run out of space or prefer not to depend on Apple’s ecosystem.
According to leaked screenshots, the new system will offer 2GB of free cloud storage from WhatsApp, with additional paid plans likely available for users who need more capacity. Like the existing backup option, WhatsApp’s cloud backups will be end-to-end encrypted, ensuring messages remain private and secure.
The feature is still in development and not yet accessible to beta testers. Meta has not announced a release date or availability timeline. If launched, it would give iPhone users greater flexibility in managing their chat backups and reduce dependence on iCloud for storage.