WhatsApp is preparing its own cloud storage for backups
WhatsApp is working on its own cloud storage for backups to become more independent of Google Drive and iCloud and to improve interoperability.
WhatsApp app on smartphone
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The widespread messenger service WhatsApp uses either Google Drive for Android or iCloud for iPhones as its cloud backup solution. This seems set to change soon, as the Meta subsidiary is preparing its cloud solution for backups, partly to become a little more independent. Interoperability is also likely to be a benefit for users.
The WhatsApp truffle pigs WABetaInfo have discovered corresponding indications of the in-house backup solution. The standard size is currently set to be 2 GByte and will be offered optionally alongside the existing cloud backups. So far, WABetaInfo has apparently only discovered the new feature in the Android app, which could replace Google Drive under Google's operating system, thus relieving cloud storage. Some may still remember that WhatsApp backups were not counted towards Google storage until early 2024. For iPhones, WhatsApp seems to be planning the same solution. Competitor Signal already offers such a solution, by the way.
Disadvantage of the previous backup solution: You can only restore the Google Drive backup on a new Android device, but not on an iPhone; the same applies to WhatsApp backups stored in iCloud on iPhones. In case of theft or loss, users are virtually forced to opt for either an Android device or an iPhone again.
WhatsApp could resolve these limitations in a future update by introducing its cloud storage. Users can then decide where to store their backups. According to the source, it is still unclear whether the 2 GByte cloud storage will be free of charge or part of the new WhatsApp Plus subscription. In addition to the 2 GByte option, WhatsApp is reportedly also planning backup storage options of up to 50 GByte; for this larger tariff, WhatsApp is currently planning a price of around one US dollar per month.
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End-to-end encryption as standard
If users opt for the WhatsApp backup function, end-to-end encryption for all stored data is mandatory, according to WABetaInfo. Users can also decide which type of security they want to use. The default option proposed by WhatsApp is passkey-based, meaning users no longer need to remember a classic password. If users do not want to use a passkey, they can secure their backups with a password or a 64-digit key.
It is not yet clear when WhatsApp will introduce its own backup solution. The company usually tests such functions first in its beta channel. Afterward, they will eventually land in the stable version.
(afl)
