WhatsApp tests new backup management tools and animated message bubbles

WhatsApp is developing enhanced backup management for Android users. The upcoming features will let users view, organize and delete old backups stored in Google Drive directly from Android settings, easing cloud‑storage pressure. The company is also exploring a proprietary cloud service that would offer 2 GB of free storage and paid plans up to 50 GB, while keeping end‑to‑end encryption.

Separately, WhatsApp’s beta builds are adding animated message bubbles on both Android and iOS. The bubbles now fade‑in and slightly enlarge when sent or received, a visual change that can be toggled off in the Chats/Accessibility settings. The animation rollout started on Android beta (v2.26.23.11) and is now available on iOS beta (v26.24.10.70) via TestFlight.

In the Android beta, WhatsApp also revised the “About” page used to set a status (Recado). The redesign shows a live preview of the status at the top of the screen, adds an optional timer ranging from one hour to a month, and places a shortcut to privacy controls, simplifying how users manage who can see their status.