First you should know that iCloud makes a backup copy of our Apple devices, keeps all our photos and videos safe and synchronized, and even syncs our macOS desktop and allows us to access it through an iPhone or iPad. But all those files have to take up space, right? Fortunately, Apple has a number of iCloud plan options available, and in our iCloud subscriptions and pricing guide, we explain which one is best for you.
We will also see how to increase or reduce the contracted storage, or cancel it if we want. Go for it!
What is iCloud storage?
iCloud is Apple's cloud storage service, but It does much more than provide a place in the cloud for you to store files.
With the right iCloud storage, you can store all your photos and videos, documents and your Mac desktop, your app data, and even your passwords, in the cloud. One of the main benefits is that if you use iCloud, it You can access all of that stuff on any device that's linked to your Apple ID and stays synced.
It can be used as a way to back up files and photos, but you should think of it more as a way to sync things between all your devices so you can see all your files and photos on all your devices. It's not a backup in the sense that you can't store things in iCloud and then delete them from your devices.
If you do, you can also delete them from the cloud and lose them forever, but Apple has a 30-day window in which your things like photos remain, so you can look for a storage alternative.
Different features of iCloud plans
Storing things in iCloud can save you space on your devices because only the files you access frequently will be stored on your devices, with everything else in the cloud. If you have iCloud Photos, for example, you'll have full-resolution photos in the cloud, but reduced file sizes on your iPhone, so your 100GB photo library won't reach 100GB on your iPhone, but you'll be able to view all your photos at any time on any of your devices.
You should also know that iCloud can be shared with other members of a family group. So instead of paying for 200GB each family member, they can get 2TB and share it.
However, that's not the only benefit of iCloud. There are a number of security features specific to iCloud subscribers, including:
- iCloud Private Relay: hide your IP address a little like a VPN does
- Hide my email, so you don't have to give your email address to every service you subscribe to.
- Custom email domain: you can create your own custom email address.
- HomeKit Secure Video- You can view images from your home security cameras in the Home app.
- Encryption: Apple says everyone data stored in iCloud is encrypted and protected by two-factor authentication.
- Lock mode: Protect your data in the event a hacker gains access.
- iMessage contact key verification. (in tests)
iCloud Storage Plan Options and Pricing
Before we go any further, we should probably first discuss the available options and prices.
Ahead of the arrival of iOS 17 on September 18, Apple is offering five different tiers of iCloud storage, but with iOS 17 and the other 2023 OS updates come two new iCloud tiers: 6TB and 12TB.
This iCloud storage is shared across all your devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Your storage space will take into account any files you store in the cloud, through apps or otherwise, and cloud backups from your iPad and iPhone. Unfortunately, you still can't back up your Mac settings to iCloud, but since you can sync all your documents created in various Apple apps and your Desktop and Documents folder, most of the things you need on your Mac They can also be found in the cloud.
Apple currently has the following iCloud storage subscriptions available:
- 5GB free
- 50GB €0,99
- 200GB €2,99
- 2TB €9,99
- 6 TB 29,99 euros per month.*
- 12 TB 59,99 euros per month.*
*These prices are not yet confirmed, but will likely remain at par with the dollar.
How to subscribe to an iCloud storage plan
Once you've chosen the iCloud storage plan that best suits you, go to Apple's page to subscribe or upgrade.
You can also update from your iPhone, Mac, or other Apple device.
On an iPhone:
- First open setting.
- Click on the section of your Apple ID.
- Toca iCloud.
- Toca Manage your plan.
On a Mac:
- First open Configuration System or System Preferences (depending on macOS version)
- Click on the section of your Apple ID.
- Click on iCloud.
- Click the button Manage next to Account Storage.
- Click on Change storage plan.
You should also know that Apple has been offering the first month of iCloud for free so you can try the service for a month before deciding whether you need it or not. This is particularly useful if you need a little time to sort out a backup of your data, but you're not really interested in paying for iCloud storage, as it will basically give you up to 2TB of storage for a month, you'll have to remember cancel the service before paying anything.
However, this free offer is only available to those who do not pay for any iCloud storage. If you already pay for storage, you can't take advantage of the free month if you upgrade to the next tier, but you can always pay for a month (in case you need it momentarily) and then return to your regular subscription.
Which iCloud subscription should you get?
Now that you know the different storage options available to you, which one is best? You should consider factors such as whether you have full iPhone storage, whether iCloud is warning you that its capacity is almost full, whether or not you use other existing storage services such as Google Drive or Dropbox...
Features
5GB
If you only have a single iOS device and don't take many photos or videos, the free storage tier should be enough for you. The free iCloud storage tier can also be used by those who primarily use another cloud storage service (such as Dropbox or Google Drive) to store documents, photos, and videos.
If you opt for the free tier, be sure to disable iCloud sync on any apps you use frequently to avoid filling up your storage unnecessarily.
50 GB
If you have more than one iOS device you will probably need to increase the storage option to 50 GB, as a standard iOS backup can be 1 to 5 GB or even more, depending on the amount of data stored on your device. device. It is also best for those who like to take photos and videos on their iOS devices and want to keep a backup.
You can get 50 GB of iCloud storage with the individual plan Apple one.
200 GB
The 200GB plan is the standard option for those who have multiple iOS devices and a Mac, as it allows enough space to store backups for each device, along with space for a fairly substantial iCloud Photo Library and other documents that are stored. will store online. It will give you the freedom to use iCloud as you see fit, without having to worry about filling up storage.
It is also recommended for those looking to use iCloud Drive as their primary cloud storage service.
Large iCloud storages
2 TB
The 2TB storage option is ideal for those sharing an account between multiple users, such as families, with a large number of devices to keep backed up. The 2TB option is perfect for those who have a collection of iOS and Mac devices that they switch between regularly. It will provide more than enough space for iOS backups, an iCloud Photo Library spanning thousands of photos and videos, documents, and other app data.
If you want the freedom to use iCloud without worrying about space, 2TB is ideal.
New plans
6 TB
Starting September 18, 2023, there will be two new iCloud storage tiers that are designed for those who need more than 2TB of storage. Photographers and videographers, for example, who take a lot of photos and videos on their iPhones, may find 2TB inadequate. Apple has revealed that the 6TB storage option will cost approximately 30 euros.
12 TB
If 6 TB is not enough, there will also be a 12 TB option, which will cost around 60 euros, which by the way is less than the 10 TB Google Drive option.
How to cancel, upgrade or reduce your iCloud storage
If you've decided to take the plunge and upgrade from the free iCloud storage tier, or if you've purchased the 2TB tier and realized it's more than you need, it's easy to change your tier.
- Open the application Settings on an iPhone or iPad and tap your name at the top of the home screen.
- Toca iCloud.
- At the top of the screen you can see how much of your iCloud you are using.
- Toca Manage account storage. Here you'll learn more about what the space is being used for, and if you're sharing the storage with other family members, how much they're using.
- If you need more storage, or think you could use less, choose Change storage plan.
- You will see the options to upgrade or downgrade.
- Tap the option you want.
- Enter your Apple ID and choose Manage.
- On the next screen you will see the various options available to you. Choose the one you want. Your storage plan will automatically renew and the new tier will be activated.
As always, I hope this article has been useful to you. If you already use iCloud and are going to upgrade to one of the new plans Apple will make available to its users starting September 18, let us know in the comments.