WhatsApp is currently developing a new cloud backup service for iPhone users, a strategic move that may offer a practical alternative to relying entirely on Apple’s “iCloud.” This anticipated feature aims to grant users broader and more flexible options for saving and restoring their data.
Flexibility in Storage and a Solution for Limited Space
According to recent technical reports, the new feature seeks to allow the storage of chat and media backups on WhatsApp’s own servers instead of relying solely on iCloud space. It is expected that WhatsApp will provide 2GB of free storage for this purpose, with paid plans available for users needing larger capacity (up to 1TB), which will significantly reduce the pressure on storage space in users’ iCloud accounts.
Enhanced Privacy and Default Encryption
This step comes with a focus on security. Reports indicate that backups stored on WhatsApp’s servers will be protected by End-to-End Encryption by default, with no option to disable it. Users will be able to secure these backups using “Passkeys,” custom passwords, or a 64-digit encryption key, ensuring that only the user has access to their data, and that neither Meta nor WhatsApp itself can decrypt it.
Flexible Backup Management
It is expected that iCloud will remain the default option, but users will be able to switch between it and the new WhatsApp service directly from within the app settings. This new system also contributes to facilitating the process of transferring data between different devices, which may pave the way for easier conversation restoration across different platforms in the future.
This move is part of WhatsApp’s ongoing efforts to improve the user experience amid increasing competition among instant messaging apps to offer more efficient and secure solutions for data storage and synchronization.
