References found in the latest TestFlight build of WhatsApp indicate that Meta is working on bringing an alternative to iCloud backups for iPhone users. Here are the details.
WhatsApp working on its own backup service
As spotted by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is developing its own cloud backup service for iPhone users, offering an alternative to iCloud.
The feature is not yet available to WhatsApp‘s TestFlight users, but 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.
The report also notes that while users can choose whether they want their WhatsApp backups in iCloud to be end-to-end encrypted, that will be the default for WhatsApp’s first-party backup system.
From the WABetaInfo:
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 recommends a passkey as the main encryption method. A passkey is a credential stored in the device’s password manager that replaces traditional passwords. Users who prefer not to use a passkey can still encrypt their backup with a regular password or a 64-digit encryption key. Only the user can access their encrypted backups, not even WhatsApp or Meta.
While there is no timeline for the feature’s official release, the report notes that WhatsApp is also developing an alternative to Google Drive backups for Android users. Given that work is underway on both platforms, the feature could be officially announced sooner rather than later.
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