WhatsApp is testing an iPhone backup option that would let users choose WhatsApp storage instead of iCloud.
WhatsApp is building a first-party cloud backup option for iPhone that would let users choose WhatsApp storage instead of iCloud inside chat backup settings. The feature is still in testing and has not rolled out broadly, but the user-facing change is clear: chat backups could live in WhatsApp’s own storage layer rather than Apple’s. In the latest iOS TestFlight build, the backup flow already shows a destination picker, which is the first sign of how the switch would work when it ships.
WhatsApp’s new iPhone backup destination
Right now, iPhone chat backups still rely on iCloud. WhatsApp’s in-development option would add a second destination inside the app itself, giving users a choice between Apple’s cloud and WhatsApp’s own backup service. That choice appears in chat backup settings, not in a separate setup screen, which keeps the change anchored to the place users already go to manage backups.
The feature is not live for general users, and even beta access does not mean it is ready to use. What has surfaced so far is the interface for choosing a backup destination, not a full release. For iPhone users who keep important chats, media, and business threads in WhatsApp, the immediate payoff is control over where those backups sit.
Encryption, passkeys, and the storage tiers under discussion
WhatsApp’s own backup service is expected to default to end-to-end encryption. The WhatsApp storage option would protect backups without a user having to turn encryption on manually. The planned flow also includes passkey support, with password and 64-digit encryption-key fallbacks for account access.
Storage is still being mapped out, but the current plan points to 2GB of free space. Above that, a 50GB paid tier is under discussion at around $0.99 per month, alongside a 1TB tier in development. Those numbers are not final, but they show the shape of the product: a backup service with small free storage for light use and paid tiers for heavier chat history or media retention.
Android work and the rollout questions still open
WhatsApp is also working on a similar backup alternative for Android, where it would replace Google Drive as the storage path. That makes the iPhone project look less like a one-off and more like a cross-platform backup plan under WhatsApp’s control.
A launch date is still not set. It is also unclear whether the iPhone service will be limited to certain regions, beta testers, or account types at first, and WhatsApp has not explained how the new option will coexist with iCloud for existing users. Migration and restore behavior are still open questions, so the practical rollout details remain the main thing to watch next.
Disclaimer: This article was created with the assistance of AI. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
About the author
Samarth Agrawal is an AI and technology professional who writes about WhatsApp, automation, and emerging AI trends. He focuses on simplifying complex tech updates into practical insights for businesses, creators, and everyday users
