WhatsApp is testing an encrypted cloud storage backup solution for iOS, according to WABetaInfo, which spotted the feature on beta version 26.28.10.16. This follows April reports that the Meta-owned platform was developing the same capability for Android.

Currently, Android users back up chats to Google Drive while iOS users rely on iCloud. The new option lets both platforms choose WhatsApp's own cloud storage, which provides 2GB of free space. A paid tier of 50GB for $0.99/month is also under consideration.

Backups secured on WhatsApp's cloud can be protected with a passkey, password, or 64-digit encryption key. Chats are end-to-end encrypted by default; encryption can only be disabled by reverting to Google Drive or iCloud, where it remains optional.

Development continues for both Android and iOS with no public release date confirmed. The feature will likely reach beta testers first before a wider rollout.