The popular messaging platform WhatsApp is working on a first-party backup solution for iPhone users. This upcoming change means you will eventually have a choice in how you store your chat history. Instead of relying entirely on Apple for storage, you can keep your message logs and media files directly on the chat app’s own servers. This shift follows similar tests for Android users earlier this year.
Expect two gigabytes of free storage and default chat encryption
The latest beta version reveals that the company plans to offer 2GB of free space right out of the gate. If your chat history is larger than that, it is working on paid tiers. You might see a 50GB plan for about a dollar a month, which matches what Apple charges for its entry-level upgrade. A massive 1TB option is also in development for heavy users.
Security is a major focus here. Backups stored on the new servers will feature end-to-end encryption by default. This is a step up from the current system, where you have to manually turn on advanced data protection to encrypt your files.
The app recommends using a passkey for this, but a standard password or a 64-digit key will work just fine. Neither the messaging company nor its parent company can read your saved chats.
Switching saves your primary storage for photos and daily apps
Right now, chat backups eat into your limited free space on iCloud. Media-heavy chats take up a lot of room quickly. By moving these backups to a dedicated server, you instantly reclaim space for your photos, documents, and other daily essentials.
You do not have to make the switch if you prefer the old method. The current system remains the default choice. If you decide to change over, you can delete your old backup from your phone settings to free up gigabytes of space immediately. Along with other recent interface tweaks like the green dot showing when contacts are online, this feature reveals the company is steadily expanding how you manage your data and presence.
This backup alternative is still in beta testing and not yet ready for public release. The developer has not provided a specific launch date. However, giving users direct control over where their data lives is a practical move that solves a real storage problem. We will keep an eye out for when this rolls out to all users in a future app update.
