Will you have to pay for WhatsApp chat backups? The storage landscape is set to change.
WhatsApp Storage: Users will soon get a new option for backup storage on WhatsApp. The platform is introducing its own cloud service, adding a new alternative alongside Google Drive and iCloud.
WhatsApp Storage: The way storage works on the messaging platform WhatsApp is about to change. WhatsApp is set to launch its own cloud service—an alternative to Google Drive and iCloud—where you can store your chats. A recent report indicates that this cloud storage will be available to both Android and iPhone users. Simply put, you will have an additional option for backing up your WhatsApp chats beyond Google Drive and iCloud, thanks to WhatsApp's own cloud storage.
Benefits for WhatsApp users
Consider the iPhone example: users get only 5GB of free iCloud storage. This space must accommodate everything, including photos, documents, app data, and device backups. If you add WhatsApp backups to the mix, that space fills up quickly. Once the cloud storage is full, you either have to delete files or pay Apple for more storage. Apple's cheapest plan costs around ₹100 per month for 50GB of storage. WhatsApp's cloud service will save you from this issue.
2GB of free storage
Reports suggest that WhatsApp's plan will include 2GB of free storage where you can back up your chats. If you need more space, you will have to opt for a paid plan. According to reports, WhatsApp will offer 50GB of storage for $1 (approximately ₹95) per month. If you require even more space, the company will offer plans with up to 1TB of storage, though these will come at a higher monthly cost.
WhatsApp's cloud storage to be end-to-end encrypted
Chat backups stored on WhatsApp's cloud will also be end-to-end encrypted. This means no third party will be able to access your chats, even from the backup. While Apple's iCloud offers end-to-end encryption, it is optional—users must manually enable it. WhatsApp will not have this hassle; the feature will be enabled by default, with no option to turn off the end-to-end encryption. Users will also be able to secure these backups using passkeys, passwords, or encryption keys.
When will WhatsApp's cloud feature launch?
Reports indicate that the company is currently working on this feature, and public testing has not yet begun. Consequently, it may take a few weeks for the feature to roll out.
