CALIFORNIA (Kashmir English): WhatsApp is working on a new feature that will allow users to back up their chats directly to its own cloud storage, offering an alternative to existing backup options.
Currently, Android users rely on Google Drive, while iPhone users use iCloud to store their chat backups. However, according to reports by WABetaInfo, WhatsApp is now testing its own encrypted cloud storage system.
The new feature, currently available in the beta version for Android devices, will provide users with an additional backup option alongside Google Drive. Users are expected to receive 2GB of free storage under this service.
A key highlight of this development is that all data stored in WhatsApp’s cloud will be end-to-end encrypted by default, enhancing privacy and security. At present, while personal chats on WhatsApp are automatically end-to-end encrypted, users must manually enable encryption for backups.
With the new system, this extra step may no longer be required, as encryption will be built into the cloud storage itself.
Reports also suggest that WhatsApp may introduce a paid plan offering up to 50GB of cloud storage for around $1 per month.
Since the feature is still under testing, there is no official timeline yet for its rollout to all users.
WhatsApp users urged to update devices
The instant messaging app, WhatsApp, has urged users to update devices or back up chats as older systems face complete withdrawal of support.
The company said it will discontinue its service on older Android versions.
According to the announcement by the Meta-owned platform, from 8 September 2026, all devices running Android 5.0 and 5.1 operating systems will no longer be able to run WhatsApp.
Meta has made Android 6.0 the minimum requirement for continued use of the application.
Reports suggest that the decision is aimed at timely informing users so that they can update their mobile devices or back up their chats to avoid any loss of data.
WhatsApp Beta Info
According to WhatsApp Beta Info, after September 2026, the service will only remain available on Android 6.0 or newer versions, while older versions will fall completely out of support.
The report also warned users through a screenshot that WhatsApp will cease to function on older devices by the end of the year.
Furthermore, according to the technology platform Beebom, users who continue to operate outdated Android versions will neither be able to send nor receive messages after 8 September.
