WhatsApp is reportedly developing its own proprietary cloud storage infrastructure, signaling a major shift away from its long-standing reliance on Google Drive and iCloud. Currently, users on Android and iOS are tethered to the storage ecosystems of Google and Apple, respectively. This dependency often creates logistical hurdles, particularly when free storage tiers become saturated by shared data like photos and emails, forcing users to manage competing file priorities or pay for additional space.

According to recent findings by WABetaInfo, this upcoming update aims to provide users with greater autonomy. By offering an internal storage alternative, WhatsApp will allow individuals to choose between traditional third-party services or the platform’s native infrastructure to safeguard their chat histories and media.

A primary pillar of this transition is enhanced security. Backups stored within WhatsApp’s native cloud will feature mandatory end-to-end encryption by default. To streamline the user experience, the platform is integrating modern authentication methods. Rather than relying solely on complex, manual passwords, users will be able to secure their data using biometric tools, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning. For those who prefer traditional methods, the application will still support standard passwords and 64-digit encryption keys.

Storage Tiers and Pricing

Initial reports suggest that WhatsApp plans to offer a free storage tier of up to 2 GB on its own cloud. However, it remains unclear whether this limit applies to all users or if it is a perk reserved for “WhatsApp Plus” subscribers. To accommodate users with larger data footprints, the company is considering a paid tier providing 50 GB of storage for an estimated cost of $0.99 per month.

This feature is currently in the development phase and does not yet have an official release date. It joins a suite of ongoing updates, including a redesigned status interface and new tools to limit commercial messaging, as the platform continues to refine its ecosystem for a global audience.