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WhatsApp tests its own cloud backups on iPhone
WhatsApp is developing a first-party backup service for iPhone, with 2GB free storage and end-to-end encryption enabled by default.
Image: WABetaInfo
WhatsApp is working on a first-party cloud backup service for iPhone users, creating an alternative to iCloud for chat backups.
According to WABetaInfo, references in the latest TestFlight build show Meta is developing the feature, although it is not yet available to testers. WABetaInfo was able to activate an interface that lets users choose between iCloud and WhatsApp’s own cloud service for backups.
The interface promises 2GB of free storage, while the report says paid plans could offer up to 1TB.
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A key difference is encryption. On iCloud, end-to-end encryption for WhatsApp backups is optional and must be turned on manually. On WhatsApp’s own servers, the report says backups will be end-to-end encrypted by default, with no option to disable that unless the user switches back to iCloud.
“End-to-end encryption for WhatsApp backups is optional on iCloud. This means that users have to turn it on manually. On WhatsApp’s own servers, encryption for backups is never optional. They will be end-to-end encrypted by default, and there is no way to turn it off without switching back to iCloud.”
WhatsApp reportedly recommends using a passkey as the main encryption method. Users who do not want to use a passkey could instead secure backups with a regular password or a 64-digit encryption key. According to the report, only the user would be able to access encrypted backups — not even WhatsApp or Meta.
There is still no timeline for an official rollout. WABetaInfo also says WhatsApp is building an alternative to Google Drive backups for Android users, suggesting Meta is developing the feature across both major mobile platforms.
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via 9to5Mac
