WhatsApp Develops Independent Cloud Backup to Cut User Storage Costs

Meta is developing an independent cloud backup service for WhatsApp that will allow users to store their chat history directly on WhatsApp’s own servers instead of relying on Apple’s iCloud or Google Drive. This new solution aims to save users from paying for expensive storage upgrades, which have become necessary due to recent policy changes by Google that count WhatsApp backups against users’ free storage quotas.

According to WABetaInfo, the upcoming service will initially offer 2 gigabytes of free encrypted storage with end-to-end encryption enabled by default. Access to backups will be secured using biometric-based passkeys, ensuring that even Meta cannot access users’ private messages. This approach enhances user privacy and control over their data.

For heavy users, WhatsApp plans to introduce affordable paid plans offering 50 gigabytes and 1 terabyte of storage. The move is designed to reduce digital storage costs and potentially facilitate easier chat history transfers between different operating systems in the future.

Currently, the feature is in internal development and has not yet been released to beta testers. The full rollout is expected in the coming months, marking a significant step toward reducing WhatsApp’s dependence on Apple and Google cloud infrastructures while improving user privacy and cost efficiency.