WhatsApp is testing a new encrypted cloud backup option on iPhone, and the change could give users a more secure way to store their chat history. The feature, which was previously reported in development for Android, is now appearing in iOS testing, according to WABetaInfo.
The test build was found in WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.28.10.16. If it moves beyond testing, iPhone users may gain a backup option that does not rely only on iCloud.
WhatsApp’s own cloud storage
Today, Android users back up chats to Google Drive, while iOS users depend on iCloud. With the new approach, WhatsApp wants to offer its own cloud-based backup service with built-in encryption.
The service would include 2GB of free storage. WhatsApp is also said to be considering paid plans, including a 50GB option reportedly priced at $0.99 per month.
| Platform | Current Backup | Planned Option | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | Google Drive | WhatsApp cloud storage | 2GB free, built-in end-to-end encryption |
| iOS | iCloud | WhatsApp cloud storage | 2GB free, built-in end-to-end encryption |
Security remains the main focus
Users who store backups in WhatsApp’s cloud can protect them with a passkey, password, or a 64-digit encryption key. Backups placed in WhatsApp’s cloud will be end-to-end encrypted by default.
The only way to turn off encryption is to return to Google Drive on Android or iCloud on iOS. At present, encryption on those two cloud services remains optional.
That difference makes WhatsApp’s approach stricter than the built-in backup systems many users have relied on. For some users, it could mean an extra layer of protection for archived conversations stored in the cloud.
Still under development
WhatsApp has not announced a public release timeline for the feature. WABetaInfo says development is still ongoing on both Android and iOS, so the launch window remains unclear.
If the rollout gets closer to completion, the feature will likely appear in beta channels before reaching all users. For now, the iPhone test signals that WhatsApp is seriously preparing encrypted cloud backups across platforms.