Apple's iCloud is the backbone of many essential services, including iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, iCloud Backup for iPhones and iPads, iCloud Mail, and Messages in iCloud. Numerous third-party apps also use iCloud to sync data across devices seamlessly.
Free Storage vs. iCloud+ Subscriptions
Apple offers 5 GB of free iCloud storage to all users. This is enough for basic services like iCloud Keychain or testing other features. However, for anyone who wants to fully utilize iCloud Photos or iCloud Drive, an iCloud+ subscription is necessary. iCloud+ not only provides more storage but also includes valuable privacy features such as:
- iCloud Private Relay: Protects your browsing history and identity.
- Hide My Email: Generates random email addresses that are forwarded to your inbox, protecting your actual email address.
- Custom Email Domains: You can register a custom email domain and use it with a personalized email address.
While these features are helpful, storage space remains the most crucial factor for many users. Let’s dive into iCloud+ storage options.
iCloud+ Storage Plans and Pricing
iCloud+ offers various competitive storage plans with other services like Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive. Here are the current prices:
- 50 GB: $0.99/month
- 200 GB: $2.99/month
- 2 TB: $9.99/month
- 6 TB: $29.99/month
- 12 TB: $59.99/month
How to Determine the Right Storage Plan
To choose the best plan, consider how much data you plan to upload initially and how quickly you anticipate it growing. For many users, iCloud Photos takes up the most space. Syncing your Desktop and Documents folders across Macs can also consume significant storage.
Estimate Your Storage Needs:
- Photos Library: Use File > Get Info on your Mac to check the size of your Photos Library (which is found in the Pictures folder).
- Desktop and Documents: If you plan to sync these folders, use the same process to find their sizes.
- iPhone/iPad Backups: These can consume up to 20 GB or more, so account for them as well.
You can share iCloud+ storage with your Family Sharing group. Also, consider how much space other family members may need, too.
Getting Started with iCloud+
To subscribe to iCloud+, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings/System Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Upgrade to iCloud+.
- (For pre-2024 versions of Apple's OS, tap Manage Account Storage and Change Storage Plan.)
- Enable iCloud Photos:
- On Mac: Photos > Settings > iCloud.
- On iPhone/iPad: Settings > Apps > Photos.
- Turn on Desktop and Documents Sync (optional):
- On each Mac: System Settings > Your Name > iCloud > iCloud Drive.
- Note: No additional setup is needed on iPhones or iPads; synced files will appear in the iOS Files app.
Tip: The initial sync may take several days, depending on your internet upload speed, as it uploads and deduplicates your data.
Managing Your iCloud Storage
After setting up iCloud+, you can monitor and manage your storage usage:
- Go to: Settings/System Settings > Your Name > iCloud.
- Tap: Storage (or click Manage) to see a storage breakdown by app.
For major storage categories like Photos, iCloud Drive, Backups, and Messages, Apple offers recommendations to help free up space quickly. Most other apps provide only the option to delete all their data.
What to Do When You're Running Low on Space
If your iCloud storage is nearly full, you have two options: delete data or upgrade to a larger plan. Apple will prompt you when you’re approaching your storage limit, making it easy to upgrade tiers.
The Benefits of iCloud+ for Apple Users
While cloud storage might not be the most thrilling topic, expanding your iCloud+ storage can dramatically enhance your experience, especially if you have multiple Apple devices. With more storage, you can enjoy seamless photo syncing, access your files from anywhere, and back up your devices without relying on a Mac.
(Featured image with background by iStock.com/wing-wing)
