More than just a storage solution, discover what you can do with Apple’s iCloud
THE ICLOUD SERVICE stores your important data such as photos, files, backups and more on Apple’s servers. All this can then be accessed using any of your Apple devices, or on the web at iCloud.com. You can also use iCloud to sync information such as notes, contacts, Safari favorites, reminders, wallet info and more across your Apple gear. Write a note on your iPad, and you can review it on your Mac and iPhone. Add a contact on your iPhone, and it also appears on your Mac and iPad.
When you sign up for your Apple ID, you’re automatically given an iCloud.com email address and 5GB of free storage. If —or perhaps when —you run out of space, you can get more with a monthly subscription.
Syncing
You can sync data across your Apple devices using iCloud, and also access it on com. Apps that can sync in this way include Contacts, Notes, Calendar, Safari, News, Messages and more. You can sync some third–party apps in this way too.
To turn on iCloud syncing on a per–app basis, in your Settings app (on iPhone/iPad) and System Settings/System Preferences (on Mac), go to [your name] > iCloud and tap Show All/Show More Apps. Then switch it on.
WHAT IT DOESN’T DO
More and more third–party apps offer iCloud syncing where appropriate, but don’t expect it to sync every app. You need an internet connection to sync.
Storage
As well as data syncing, you can store files and folders on iCloud using iCloud Drive. Apple’s iWork apps (Pages, Numbers, Keynote) save to their own folders on iCloud Drive, and you can also create your own folders for other data just like you can in any other Finder folder.
Data stored in iCloud Drive is accessible from anywhere, and edits made on one device show up on all the others. You can access your iCloud Drive from a Finder window’s sidebar or a mobile device’s Files app.
WHAT IT DOESN’T DO
It doesn’t offer infinite storage space. Kee
