The method of storage on messaging platform WhatsApp is about to change. WhatsApp will soon launch its own cloud storage service – an alternative to Google Drive and iCloud – where users will be able to store their chats. According to a recent report, this service will be available for both Android and iPhone users. Simply put, in addition to Google Drive and iCloud, you’ll have another option for backing up your WhatsApp chats: WhatsApp’s own cloud storage.
**Benefits for WhatsApp users**
Take the iPhone for example: users only get 5GB of free iCloud storage. This space includes everything like photos, documents, app data, and device backups. When WhatsApp backup is also added to this, this space fills up quickly. Once cloud storage is full, you either have to delete the files or pay Apple for more storage. Apple’s cheapest plan is around ₹100 per month for 50GB of storage. WhatsApp’s cloud service will save you from this problem.
**2GB free storage**
Reports suggest that WhatsApp is planning to provide 2GB of free storage, where you can backup your chats. If you need more space, you will have to go for a paid plan. According to reports, WhatsApp will offer 50GB storage for $1 (approximately ₹95) per month. For those who need more space, the company will also offer plans with up to 1TB of storage, although these will be expensive in terms of monthly expenses.
**WhatsApp Cloud will be end-to-end encrypted**
Chat backups stored on WhatsApp’s cloud will also be end-to-end encrypted. This means that no third party will be able to access your chats, even from the backup. Although Apple’s iCloud offers end-to-end encryption, it is an optional feature that users have to enable manually. This hassle will not happen in WhatsApp. It will be enabled by default, and there will be no option to disable end-to-end encryption. This backup can also be secured using a passkey, password or encryption key.
When will WhatsApp cloud feature launch?
Reports suggest that the company is still working on it, and public testing has not started yet. Therefore, it may take a few weeks for this feature to be rolled out.
