WhatsApp for iOS Goes Free, Adds Option to Backup Message History
The WhatsApp mobile messaging app for iOS has been updated to version 2.10.1. This latest update brings with it two important changes: the app is now free and you can now backup your message history to iCloud.
WhatsApp’s business model used to go like this: iPhone users had to spend a dollar to purchase the app and use it to send messages to their contacts. Android users on the other hand got the app for free and they were asked to pay a dollar only after 1 year passed. So to sum it up, iOS users had to pay upfront, while Android users got a year for free before being asked to pay $0.99.
This business model has changed. Just like Android users, iPhone users now get the first year for free. So if you’re just now finding out about WhastApp, you can go get the app for free from Apple’s App Store – just follow this link.
“We’ve simplified our business model so that all users on all platforms will enjoy their first year of WhatsApp service for free, and only pay $.99 per year after that,” said the WhatsApp team. “We feel that this model will allow us to become the communications service of the 21st century, and provide you the best way to stay in touch with your friends and family with no ads getting in the way. The good news for all current iPhone users is that WhatsApp will be free of charge for the rest of your life.”
Let’s move on to another important change: the latest release, WhatsApp 2.10.1 lets you backup your message history to iCloud. The app’s developers explained that they “spent the last six months working to make iCloud backup as simple and user friendly as possible”.
Here is what you have to do to backup your message history to iCloud: WhatsApp Settings -> Chat Settings -> Chat Backup. If you reinstall WhatsApp on your iPhone, you will be invited to restore your message history from iCloud.
WhatsApp is available for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone BlackBerry, Nokis S60 and S40.
Additional WhatsApp information is available on the app’s official website.
WhatsApp’s business model used to go like this: iPhone users had to spend a dollar to purchase the app and use it to send messages to their contacts. Android users on the other hand got the app for free and they were asked to pay a dollar only after 1 year passed. So to sum it up, iOS users had to pay upfront, while Android users got a year for free before being asked to pay $0.99.
This business model has changed. Just like Android users, iPhone users now get the first year for free. So if you’re just now finding out about WhastApp, you can go get the app for free from Apple’s App Store – just follow this link.
“We’ve simplified our business model so that all users on all platforms will enjoy their first year of WhatsApp service for free, and only pay $.99 per year after that,” said the WhatsApp team. “We feel that this model will allow us to become the communications service of the 21st century, and provide you the best way to stay in touch with your friends and family with no ads getting in the way. The good news for all current iPhone users is that WhatsApp will be free of charge for the rest of your life.”
Let’s move on to another important change: the latest release, WhatsApp 2.10.1 lets you backup your message history to iCloud. The app’s developers explained that they “spent the last six months working to make iCloud backup as simple and user friendly as possible”.
Here is what you have to do to backup your message history to iCloud: WhatsApp Settings -> Chat Settings -> Chat Backup. If you reinstall WhatsApp on your iPhone, you will be invited to restore your message history from iCloud.
WhatsApp is available for iPhone, Android, Windows Phone BlackBerry, Nokis S60 and S40.
Additional WhatsApp information is available on the app’s official website.
