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WhatsApp is working on a major update that could change how you save your messages. According to a new report from WABetaInfo, the app is developing its own first-party cloud storage service. This would allow users to back up their chats directly with WhatsApp instead of relying on third-party services like Google Drive or iCloud.
The move comes as many users find their free storage on Google and Apple reaching its limits. By building its own system, WhatsApp aims to give users more control and better security over their personal data.
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What We Know About WhatsApp Cloud
The feature is currently under development and will offer a new way to keep your data safe. Here are the key details discovered in the latest beta:
- Storage Options: Users will be able to choose between their traditional provider (Google Drive or iCloud) and the new WhatsApp Cloud.
- Free Tier: WhatsApp is expected to offer 2GB of free storage for all users.
- Paid Plan: For those with large chat histories and many media files, WhatsApp may offer a 50GB plan for approximately $0.99 per month. It is unconfirmed that, the 50GB plan may or may not be tied to the Plus subscription.
- Mandatory Encryption: Unlike current third-party backups where encryption is optional, any data stored on WhatsApp’s own servers will be end-to-end encrypted by default.
Enhanced Security with Passkeys
To make these backups even safer, WhatsApp is integrating Passkeys. This means instead of remembering a long, 64-digit recovery key or a complex password, you can unlock your backup using your phone’s Face ID, fingerprint, or screen lock.
This device-based authentication makes it much harder for hackers to steal your backup because the key never leaves your physical device.
Why the Change?
For years, Android users have complained that WhatsApp backups eat into their limited 15GB of free Google account storage. Similarly, iPhone users often run out of the 5GB provided by iCloud. By offering a dedicated storage space, WhatsApp reduces this storage pressure and makes it easier for users to switch between different phone brands without losing their chats.
The feature is still in the early stages of development. It is not yet available to the general public or even most beta testers. WhatsApp is expected to test the service in several stages throughout 2026 to ensure the servers are stable and the encryption is unbreakable before a global rollout.
