iCloud

Apple's built-in cloud for photos, files and device data

iCloud is the storage and sync service that ships inside Apple devices. The point is that photos, files, notes and similar material stay backed up and current, so the same items appear on an iPhone, an iPad, a Mac and, through a dedicated app or the web, a Windows PC. Everyone gets a small free allowance of storage, and the paid iCloud+ tier adds more space plus extra privacy features. Apple adds that as many as five family members can use one plan.

Photos and shared libraries

iCloud Photos keeps a full library of photos and videos in the cloud while each device keeps lighter copies to save room. Shared Albums let a group add their own pictures, videos and comments over time, and people on Android or Windows can take part. A Shared Photo Library lets up to five other people contribute pictures that then surface in Featured Photos and Memories.

Files, backup and restore

iCloud Drive holds files and folders that can be opened through the Files app on iOS and iPadOS, Finder on a Mac, File Explorer on Windows, or iCloud.com in a browser. Collaboration works by sending a link, with control over who can view, edit or share, and live updates as edits happen. iCloud Backup saves the data and apps on an iPhone or iPad whenever the device is connected to power and Wi-Fi. Restore then brings photos, files, contacts, apps and settings onto a new device so it feels like the old one.

Everyday sync

Several of the built-in apps sync through the service: Notes, Calendar, Contacts, Safari tabs and bookmarks, and the passwords and Keychain store with AutoFill for signing in.

Privacy and storage tiers

iCloud+ adds features such as Private Relay, which Apple describes as preventing websites and network providers from building a profile from a browsing device's IP address and location. Plans run from 50GB up to 12TB, described as suitable for anyone from a single user with thousands of photos to creators, photographers and large families with years of data, or people managing media archives and projects across several devices.