WhatsApp Tests New 2GB File Size Transfer Limit

[MacRumors]

WhatsApp is testing out a much larger 2GB cap for file transfers between users of the instant messaging platform, reports WABetaInfo.

WhatsApp's file-sharing capabilities have become a key feature of the service, and the app has included the ability to share media files within conversations since 2017, but its 100MB file size limitation hasn't changed in that time.

However, according to iOS screenshots shared by WABetaInfo, the Meta-owned service has been trialing a new 2GB file size limit for some users in Argentina over the last few days.

Upping the limit to 2GB should make the platform a lot more amenable to sharing video clips and other large media file types, which would also be securely transferred via WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption.

It's not clear if the change is just a temporary localized test or the beginning of a wider rollout, but WhatsApp often performs trials of new features in development in this way, so there's a good chance it could become the norm for all users of the service at some point in the future.

Other new features WhatsApp has recently been testing include the ability to conduct polls within groups on the chat platform and the option of iMessage-style message reactions.

Article Link: WhatsApp Tests New 2GB File Size Transfer Limit

 

[Frign]

Given the cost of hosting and even considering they run their own data-centers and save costs by buying bulk, hosting gigabytes of data is still rather costly. Naturally, one should always ask themselves how such a "free" business model works.

If you cannot identify the revenue model chances are you - the user - are the product.

 

[alexiaa]

They're probably trying to compete with Telegram, which already had a 1.5 GB limit for ages and upped it to 2 GB a while ago.

 

[ian87w]

No please don't. It's bad enough that people are using Whatsapp now for their "documents storage." Instead of sending via email where the attachment is in the email server, people are sending stuff over Whatsapp, taking up local phone storage space. Really annoying. Now everybody is going to be forwarding videos. It's bad enough already today.

I'd rather see rollout of device migration (eg Android to iphone) than this.

 

[TwoBytes]

Stop it and just make an iPad version will you!!
It's like Jack and the beanstalk here..

 

[kyjaotkb]

Ew. means more people will feel entitled to use up our phone's local storage and iCloud space, where conversations are backed up. Priority-wise, what about a frig**n Apple Watch app, Whatsapp, please. Notifications with blurry pictures are an awful way to communicate. I would drop Whatsapp if I could (anticipating the flow of comments here from North America) but literally 100% of all my contacts are using it exclusively. Family, friends,

 

[tridley68]

This will work nicely since my daughter is going to college in England we can send family pictures and other documents that might need her signature

 

[vaxes]

I would rather they extend the 30 photo limit.

-AE

 

[GumaRodak]

Sooner or later ads will come into messages to pay for this…or subscription model …

 

[owaint]

This will work nicely since my daughter is going to college in England we can send family pictures and other documents that might need her signature

Don't worry, tridley, we've had email over here for a couple of years now

 

[Wildkraut]

Preparing in advance for the 48mp/8k iPhone 14 photos and videos. ?

 

[5232152]

I don't trust Facebook with my personal information why would I trust them with my files?

 

[joshwenke]

STOP SAYING WHATSAPP IS SECURE! Seriously, so many media outlets are saying that WhatsApp and Telegram and others are secure. They are not! Signal, Wire, Threema are a few that are actually truly secure.

Secure Messaging Apps Comparison | Privacy Matters

This site compares secure messaging apps from a security & privacy point of view. These include Facebook Messenger, iMessage, Skype, Signal, Simplex, Google Messenger, Threema, Riot, Wire, Telegram, and Wickr

securemessagingapps.com

 

[ian87w]

This will work nicely since my daughter is going to college in England we can send family pictures and other documents that might need her signature

You can already do those things today. No need for a 2GB file size.
Besides, it's better to share photos via Google Photos. Whatsapp resizes photos to 1.4MP regardless.

 

[bgraham]

Given the cost of hosting and even considering they run their own data-centers and save costs by buying bulk, hosting gigabytes of data is still rather costly. Naturally, one should always ask themselves how such a "free" business model works.

If you cannot identify the revenue model chances are you - the user - are the product.

And I'm fine with that lol, WhatsApp is end-to-end encrypted.

If Meta wants to target me with more relevant ads using my gender, Instagram follows, and Facebook likes, I really don't care. Literally a fuss over nothing.

 

[beanbaguk]

Given the amount of garbage WhatsApp stores on my phone through the pointless gifs and stupid videos shared by family members, this is the last thing I and many others need.

Having said that, I have a 256GB iPhone, so sending 10-15 2GB files might jam up more family members iPhones so they can no longer send anything.....interesting... ?

 

[joshwenke]

STOP SAYING WHATSAPP IS SECURE! Seriously, so many media outlets are saying that WhatsApp and Telegram and others are secure. They are not! Signal, Wire, Threema are a few that are actually truly secure.

Secure Messaging Apps Comparison | Privacy Matters

This site compares secure messaging apps from a security & privacy point of view. These include Facebook Messenger, iMessage, Skype, Signal, Simplex, Google Messenger, Threema, Riot, Wire, Telegram, and Wickr

securemessagingapps.com

@cyanite I encourage you to reply with why you disagree. Check out that website. There are many factors other just saying your app has E2E encryption that makes it secure.

 

[svish]

Will be a welcome change.

 

[Bustycat]

Stop it and just make an iPad version will you!!
It's like Jack and the beanstalk here..

Meanwhile some other competitors have offered both of the iPad version and 2GB file sharing for long time...

 

[Bustycat]

STOP SAYING WHATSAPP IS SECURE! Seriously, so many media outlets are saying that WhatsApp and Telegram and others are secure. They are not! Signal, Wire, Threema are a few that are actually truly secure.

Secure Messaging Apps Comparison | Privacy Matters

This site compares secure messaging apps from a security & privacy point of view. These include Facebook Messenger, iMessage, Skype, Signal, Simplex, Google Messenger, Threema, Riot, Wire, Telegram, and Wickr

securemessagingapps.com

WhatsApp uses Signal Protocol which is the same to your beloved Signal’s.

 

[nikaru]

Great new way for online piracy.

 

[MVMNT]

Imagine the scenario where you're texting a 2GB file... crikey.

 

[H2SO4]

You can already do those things today. No need for a 2GB file size.
Besides, it's better to share photos via Google Photos. Whatsapp resizes photos to 1.4MP regardless.

This is the improvement I'm looking for from them, an option to send as is, or resize image size.

 

[erikkfi]

This isn't about Apple and it isn't a rumor. Why is it here?

 

[joshwenke]

WhatsApp uses Signal Protocol which is the same to your beloved Signal’s.

Maybe so, but there is more to security than the encryption protocol chosen. WhatsApp is closed source, owned by Facebook, collects tons of metadata, and can read messages that are reported. If you are looking for something that truly protects your privacy, there is no way you could argue that WhatsApp is the gold standard.