> WhatsApp iPhone syncs to iCloud unencrypted by default[1].

Not true. You must choose to enable it or not when you set up new phone. On mine it does not back up

If you must "choose to enable" encryption, that implies it's off by default. If so, GP's statement is accurate.

	▲	throwaway290 39 minutes ago \| parent \| next [-]
		No, I mean you must select yes or no. You cannot use WhatsApp until you make a choice yourself.
	▲	simsla 3 hours ago \| parent \| prev [-]
		Choose to enable backups.