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WhatsApp Prepares Its Own Encrypted Cloud Backups

The shift could make switching between Android and iPhone less painful.

Overview

  • Reports, which surfaced Tuesday from WABetaInfo coverage, show code for a “WhatsApp Chat Backup Provider” inside the Android app.
  • The service would store chat backups on WhatsApp’s cloud rather than only on Google Drive or iCloud, which could ease Android‑to‑iPhone restores.
  • Early plans point to roughly 2 GB of free space, though it is unclear if this will be open to all users or tied to a WhatsApp Plus subscription.
  • Optional paid tiers are being explored, including a reported 50 GB plan priced near $0.99 per month.
  • Backups would be end‑to‑end encrypted by default with passkeys as the suggested method, and the feature remains in development with staged beta testing expected before a wider release.