WhatsApp to launch its own iOS cloud backup with 2 GB free

WhatsApp is developing a first‑party cloud backup service for iOS (and Android) that would let users store chat histories on WhatsApp’s own servers instead of Apple iCloud or Google Drive. The feature was uncovered in the iOS beta build 26.28.10.16 distributed via TestFlight. It will start with 2 GB of free storage per user, with paid tiers under consideration – roughly 50 GB for $0.99 per month and a 1 TB plan in later development. All backups stored on WhatsApp’s infrastructure will be end‑to‑end encrypted by default and cannot be disabled; users may protect them with a device passkey, a password, or a 64‑digit key. iCloud will remain the default backup option, so users who take no action keep the current setup, but they can switch to the new WhatsApp cloud at any time. The move aims to reduce dependence on Apple and Google storage, free up iCloud space for other data, and could eventually enable cross‑platform restores between iPhone and Android. The service is still in development and has no announced release date.