# iCloud

> Apple's storage and sync service for photos, files and backups

iCloud is Apple's service for keeping photos, files, device backups and app data in sync across iPhone, iPad and Mac, with access from Windows PCs and iCloud.com. Every Apple Account starts with 5 GB free. The paid iCloud+ plans add storage from 50 GB to 12 TB along with privacy features such as Private Relay and Hide My Email.

- **Category:** File Storage & Sync
- **Made by:** Apple
- **Website:** https://www.apple.com/icloud/
- **Runs on:** iOS, macOS, Windows, Web
- **Facts last checked:** Oct 5, 2026

## Pricing

iCloud has a free plan. Paid plans start at $0.99 per month for 50 GB.

- **Pricing model:** Free plan
- **Free plan:** 5 GB of iCloud storage, given the first time you sign in to an iPhone, iPad or Mac with an Apple Account.
- **Free trial:** None listed.

| Plan | Price | What you get |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iCloud 5GB | $0 | 5 GB to back up data and keep it in sync across devices and iCloud.com. |
| iCloud+ 50GB | $0.99 per month | 50 GB plus Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domain and HomeKit Secure Video recordings for one camera. |
| iCloud+ 200GB | $2.99 per month | Everything in the 50GB plan, with 200 GB and HomeKit Secure Video recordings for five cameras. |
| iCloud+ 2TB | $9.99 per month | Everything in the 200GB plan, with 2 TB and HomeKit Secure Video recordings for unlimited cameras. |
| iCloud+ 6TB | $29.99 per month | Everything in the 2TB plan, with 6 TB of storage. |
| iCloud+ 12TB | $59.99 per month | Everything in the 6TB plan, with 12 TB of storage. |

Read from https://www.apple.com/icloud/ on Oct 5, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with iCloud before buying.

## Ways to pay less

- **Included in every Apple One bundle** (Other savings): iCloud+ is part of all Apple One plans, which bundle it with up to five other Apple services. Apple lists Apple One at $21.95, $27.95 or $39.95 per month depending on the plan. Source: https://www.apple.com/icloud/

## Key features

- **iCloud Drive:** Files and folders are reachable from the Files app on iOS and iPadOS, the Finder on a Mac, File Explorer on Windows PCs, or iCloud.com.
- **iCloud Photos:** Keeps high-resolution photos and videos in iCloud with space-saving versions on each device. Shared Albums accept contributions from people on Android or Windows devices.
- **iCloud Backup:** Data on an iPhone or iPad, including apps, is backed up automatically whenever the device is connected to power and Wi-Fi.
- **Sharing and collaboration:** Share files, folders and documents by sending a link, control who can view, edit or share the work, and see edits appear as they are made.
- **iCloud+ privacy features:** Paid plans add Private Relay for browsing in Safari, Hide My Email for random forwarding addresses, and a custom domain for iCloud Mail.
- **Advanced Data Protection:** An optional setting that raises the number of end-to-end encrypted data categories to 25, including iCloud Backup, Photos, Notes and iCloud Drive.

## Good for

- People whose devices are mostly iPhone, iPad and Mac
- Automatic iPhone and iPad backups and photo libraries
- Families: any iCloud+ plan can be shared with up to five other people

## Worth knowing

- The free tier is 5 GB, which has to cover device backups, photos and files together.
- Apple lists access through iPhone, iPad, Mac, the iCloud for Windows app and iCloud.com; no Android app is listed.
- End-to-end encryption for iCloud Drive, Photos and Backup applies only after turning on Advanced Data Protection, which is optional.
- Plans are priced per month only; the page lists no annual billing option.

## Works with

Apple One, Apple Invites, HomeKit, Windows File Explorer

**Tags:** File sync, File sharing, Real-time collaboration

## Alternatives

- [Google Drive](https://toolgpa.com/tools/google-drive): Cloud storage tied to Google Docs, Gmail and Photos. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/google-drive-vs-icloud)
- [Microsoft OneDrive](https://toolgpa.com/tools/microsoft-onedrive): Microsoft's cloud storage, bundled with Microsoft 365 plans. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/icloud-vs-microsoft-onedrive)
- [Dropbox](https://toolgpa.com/tools/dropbox): Cloud storage and file sync with transfer and signing tools. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/dropbox-vs-icloud)
- [Proton Drive](https://toolgpa.com/tools/proton-drive): End-to-end encrypted cloud storage from the maker of Proton Mail. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/icloud-vs-proton-drive)
- [pCloud](https://toolgpa.com/tools/pcloud): Swiss cloud storage sold by subscription or one-time payment. [Compare](https://toolgpa.com/compare/icloud-vs-pcloud)

## Sources

The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Oct 5, 2026:

- https://www.apple.com/icloud/
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/108047
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/102651

Page: https://toolgpa.com/tools/icloud
Listed by ToolGPA (toolgpa.com).