What is iCloud used for?

iCloud is Apple's cloud service for storing and syncing photos, files and device backups, with paid iCloud+ tiers adding storage and privacy features. It is a good fit for backing up iPhones and iPads, and sharing a storage plan across a family.

Yes. iCloud has a free plan, and paid plans start at $0.99 per month.

Is iCloud open source?

No. iCloud is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to iCloud include Nextcloud All-in-One, Syncthing and ownCloud.

What are some alternatives to iCloud?

iCloud competes with Dropbox, pCloud and MEGA. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source iCloud alternatives.

iCloud: features, pricing and alternatives

About iCloud

iCloud is Apple's cloud storage and sync service. It automatically keeps photos, files and device backups available on a user's Apple devices and on the web, and iCloud+ is the paid tier that adds more storage space and extra privacy features.

Features highlighted by Apple include iCloud Photos for storing full-resolution libraries with space-saving copies on devices, and Shared Albums where friends and family, including people on Android, can add photos, videos and comments. One iCloud+ plan can be shared with as many as five additional family members without extra charge, and Apple One bundles it with other services.

iCloud is proprietary and available only as a hosted Apple service, with nothing to install on your own servers. Apple's US plans are listed at 50GB for $0.99 per month, 200GB for $2.99, 2TB for $9.99, 6TB for $29.99 and 12TB for $59.99.

Key features

Photo storage and sync with iCloud Photos
Device backup and file sync
Shared Albums for photos and videos
Family sharing of one plan
Enhanced privacy features with iCloud+

Good fit for

→Backing up iPhones and iPads
→Sharing a storage plan across a family

Tags: cloud-storage; backup; photos; apple; file-sync; family-sharing; consumer

iCloud: questions and answers

What is iCloud used for?: iCloud is Apple's cloud service for storing and syncing photos, files and device backups, with paid iCloud+ tiers adding storage and privacy features. It is a good fit for backing up iPhones and iPads, and sharing a storage plan across a family.
Is iCloud free?: Yes. iCloud has a free plan, and paid plans start at $0.99 per month.
Is iCloud open source?: No. iCloud is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to iCloud include Nextcloud All-in-One, Syncthing and ownCloud.
What are some alternatives to iCloud?: iCloud competes with Dropbox, pCloud and MEGA. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source iCloud alternatives.