WhatsApp is developing its own cloud storage: goodbye Google Drive and iCloud?

WhatsApp plans to radically change its data backup system. Over the past decade, Messenger users have relied exclusively on third-party solutions: the Android version uses Google Drive, and iOS uses iCloud. However, users will soon have the choice of moving their chats to WhatsApp’s own cloud environment.

Overview of WhatsApp’s own cloud storage

According to the WABetaInfo resource, messenger developers are working on an internal cloud function. The main goal of this innovation is to provide users with a single infrastructure for data storage that does not depend on the operating system. According to leaks, the service will offer a free basic level, which will make the migration process between devices more transparent.

Specifications and storage capacity

According to preliminary data, the new system will include the following parameters:

• Free limit: 2 GB for all users.
• Security: end-to-end encryption of all data.
• Access methods: password, biometric key (passkey) or 64-digit encryption key.

Feature release date

At the moment, the project is at the active development stage. The official release date for all users has not yet been announced. It is expected that beta testers in the Google Play Beta Program will be the first to have access to their own cloud, after which the function will become available in the stable version of the application.

Cost and paid tariffs

If the standard 2 GB is not enough, WhatsApp will offer a paid subscription. It is reported that a 50 GB tariff plan is being prepared. The estimated cost will be about 41 UAH ($0.99) per month. This price makes WhatsApp’s offering competitive in the cloud storage market.

Difference from Google Drive and iCloud

The main difference of the new system will be a strict privacy policy. While backup to Google Drive or iCloud allows users to disable encryption at will, storage on WhatsApp servers will make end-to-end encryption mandatory. This means that even messenger employees or law enforcement agencies will not be able to access your correspondence without the encryption key.

Safety and nuances of use

Transferring backups to your own cloud requires a responsible approach to saving passwords. If you choose to use a 64-character key or passkey and lose access to it, it will be impossible to recover data from the servers. This is why passkeys integration is seen as the main way to simplify login without losing security.

Is it worth switching to a new storage (output)

The new solution from WhatsApp will be an excellent choice for those who care about maximum data protection and do not want to depend on the Google or Apple ecosystem. A capacity of 2 GB may seem modest for media files, but for text correspondence it is quite enough. If you’re willing to trust your data to WhatsApp’s servers in exchange for mandatory encryption, this move is definitely worth considering.

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