Apple iCloud is one of the reasons for the success of Apple products. Here is a summary of all the services that can be activated for free.
iCloud is a collection of cloud services that since 2011 Apple (for free) makes available to all owners of iPhone , iPad , iPod Touch , iMac , Macbook Air , Macbook Pro and Apple TV . In practice, it allows you to securely store photos, documents, videos, data and all types of files online and keep your daily software and applications up-to-date. Regardless of what Apple device you are using and where you are – as long as there is an Internet connection– you always have your baggage of data and information available. And also, especially on the video and photographic front, you have the opportunity to save space on your devices by taking advantage of the preview mode.
The added value of iCloud is that every time you make a change to a file on one device, it is also applied to the file on the others. For example, if in your iPhone 12 Pro photo gallery you intervene with some coloring or filter, these will also be automatically applied to the version present in the photo archive of your MacBook Pro 13 . Furthermore, it is always possible to access Photos , Mail and Notes on iCloud.com via the browser . Or, if you have a Windows computer , maybe a Surface Go 2 or an Asus ROG FlowX13 , iCloud software for Windows is available .
All that remains is to go into detail on each individual service, without prejudice to the fact that Apple offers the first 5 GB of space for free , after which you have to pay a monthly subscription. The rates are: 0.99 euros for 50 GB, 2.99 euros for 200 GB and 9.99 euros for 2 TB. However, remember that music, apps, TV shows and books purchased on Apple platforms are not counted in the storage space.
ICloud Photos
Photo allows you to archive your photos and videos automatically and in compliance with the highest security standards. It also allows you to keep them constantly updated on all your Apple devices, on iCloud.com and Watch. It should be noted that the original photos and the high-resolution ones are uploaded to iCloud, while the respective lighter versions are stored on your device. It is a way to save space. In addition, the Shared Albums feature allows you to share photos and videos with the people you want and also to invite them for any comments or sharing their content.
Apple iCloud Photos
iCloud Drive
iCloud Drive is the service that allows you to store and organize all files (up to 50 GB each), similar to Dropbox or Google Drive. You can access these from all your devices and if you want you can also share them with a private link if you go to iCloud.com. Also useful is the ability to add the Desktop and Documents folders of your Mac and access them via browser from anywhere in the world, always using iCloud.com. On iOS, access is via the Files function .
iCloud Drive
Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes and Reminders
The Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes and Reminders applications can be kept constantly updated on each device. In practice, when a change is made on an element this generates an update on all devices. The web versions of Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes and Reminders can also be used on iCloud.com .
Pages, Numbers and Keynote
Apple allows you to create a document, presentation or spreadsheet and share it on all your devices, always via iCloud. The reference software are those offered by Apple, then Pages, Numbers and Keynote . If you want, you can also proceed via browser on iCloud.com, then make changes and share everything with friends and colleagues. Moreover, each change can be viewed in real time by others.
Messages
ICloud Messages allows you to store all your messages online via your iPhone , iPad, iPod touch and Mac. This allows for constant updating on every terminal. It is also possible to start a conversation on one device and end it on another .
The functions of Safari
The Safari browser thanks to iCloud allows you to view on all your iOS, iPadOS and Mac devices (via iCloud panels ) the sites you have already visited, the articles in the Reading List when you are offline and also consult the same bookmarks.
Backup and restore
One of the greatest comforts of iCloud is precisely the backup function , since it is automatically able to store all the information contained in your iOS and iPadOS devices – therefore iPhone and iPad – via Wi-Fi when they are turned on, they have the screen unlocked. and are connected to a power source. Furthermore, you can always reset your devices or configure new ones . Very useful solutions for example when you mistakenly delete data or buy a new iPhone to replace the previous one.
Apple iCloud backup
Find devices, objects or friends
Services Where, Find My iPhone and Find My friends are compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac. First you need to locate a lost device, lock it and detect the movements but also to initialize remotely so to delete all personal data . Furthermore Where is it is also compatible with AirTags or third party objects that support the Apple ID . Also useful is the ability to share your location with friends and family and view their locations on a map. Both Find My iPhone can be used via the browser on iCloud.comto locate devices that Find My Friends to locate people.
ICloud Keychain
iCloud has a keychain feature that allows you to keep your passwords , credit card information, and other data up-to-date and secure . This allows you to enjoy automatic entries on iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac perhaps when you proceed with a purchase. In addition, Safari passwords can also be accessed from a Windows computer.
In family
The Family Sharing service allows you to share music, books, apps, and more with your family of up to 6 members. In practice, you can use a single credit card and you can authorize purchases of children directly from a parent’s device. This sharing also applies to iCloud storage, photos, calendars, reminders, locations, documents and files.
How do i activate iCloud?
To activate iCloud, you need to create an Apple account – usually the first thing that is required when turning on a new iPhone or other product for the first time. Alternatively, simply access the Create your Apple ID web page , after which all you have to do is enter the Apple ID on the iCloud.com page. To proceed directly from iPhone or iPad just access Settings and then tap your name and iCloud selection. On Mac, on the other hand, you need to access System Preferences and select iCloud.
