WhatsApp users who switch to an iPhone from an Android phone can now save their message history.

Previously, it was only possible to transfer WhatsApp data when switching to Google's Android platform from an Apple device. The feature was introduced last year in the WhatsApp chat app, allowing a user to take voice notes, photos and have conversations if they switch to the Android operating system.

WhatsApp users can now securely transfer app data to their iPhones using the "Move To iOS" app, available on the App Store.

The Move To iOS feature is already used to switch other phone data, including contact information, photos and videos, but has been updated to include WhatsApp data.

WhatsApp said the transfer will be fully encrypted, taking about a week to reach all users.