iCloud+ Review: What Extra Storage and Privacy Features Does It Offer?
Apple's cloud storage service, iCloud, has become a popular choice for both individual users and professionals alike. However, with iCloud+, Apple elevates the experience by offering more storage options and enhanced privacy features. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the benefits, privacy enhancements, and additional storage options offered by iCloud+.
What is iCloud?
iCloud is Apple’s cloud-based storage and synchronization service that allows users to store and share a variety of content, such as photos, videos, documents, music, and app data, across all their devices. iCloud syncs seamlessly across your Apple devices, making it easy to access your files from anywhere. However, the standard service comes with limited storage, and this is where iCloud+ comes into play.
What is iCloud+?
iCloud+ is the premium version of iCloud, offering a range of new features and benefits in addition to the basic iCloud services. These added perks include greater storage options, enhanced privacy tools, and advanced security solutions. By choosing iCloud+, users get more than just extra storage; they also benefit from privacy tools that protect their personal information and internet traffic.
iCloud+ Storage Options
Apple offers three storage plans with iCloud+: 50 GB, 200 GB, and 2 TB. These plans cater to different user needs and allow for flexible storage management. The available storage can be shared across iPhones, iPads, Macs, and even Windows PCs.
- 50 GB Plan: A great option for users with small archives of files, photos, and videos. Ideal for personal use.
- 200 GB Plan: Suitable for users with medium storage needs. You can also share this space with your family through Family Sharing.
- 2 TB Plan: Perfect for professionals who need large storage spaces for high-resolution videos, RAW photos, and larger projects.
These three options offer flexibility and scalability. You can easily upgrade to a higher plan as your storage needs grow.
Privacy Features of iCloud+
Apple is known for prioritizing privacy in its user experience, and iCloud+ continues that tradition. iCloud+ users gain access to a suite of advanced privacy tools, designed to enhance online security and protect users' privacy across the internet.
iCloud Private Relay
iCloud Private Relay is one of the standout features of iCloud+. It encrypts users' internet traffic and conceals their IP addresses, providing more anonymity while browsing the web. This feature prevents third parties from tracking browsing habits and ensures that users can surf the internet without being followed.
- How It Works: Private Relay routes your internet traffic through two separate servers. The first server is run by Apple and masks your IP address, while the second server, operated by a third-party company, helps websites serve content to you. This way, your IP address remains hidden, and your browsing activity is protected.
Mail Privacy Protection
Mail Privacy Protection is another important security measure introduced by Apple to stop email tracking. Marketers and trackers often use invisible pixels in emails to monitor when an email is opened, what device is used, and even capture the recipient’s IP address. With Mail Privacy Protection, these trackers are blocked from accessing your email activity.
- Features: Users can hide their IP address when opening emails, preventing senders from knowing their location and other personal data. It also conceals the time the email was opened and other engagement metrics.
Hide My Email
Hide My Email allows users to create temporary, random email addresses that forward messages to their real email account, ensuring privacy while signing up for services or newsletters. This way, users can interact with websites or services without exposing their actual email addresses.
- Use Cases: When privacy is a priority, users can sign up for online services or create accounts with a randomly generated email address. If needed, this address can be deleted later, maintaining anonymity throughout the process.
Additional Benefits of iCloud+
iCloud+ goes beyond just storage and privacy; it also offers additional features that enhance the overall user experience. Here are some other perks iCloud+ subscribers can enjoy:
- HomeKit Secure Video: With iCloud+, footage from your home security cameras is securely stored in iCloud with end-to-end encryption. This feature ensures that your video recordings are safely stored and accessible only to you.
- Expanded Family Sharing: With iCloud+, you can share your storage space with your family members. In the 200 GB or 2 TB plans, family members can also back up their devices and store files in the shared space.
iCloud+ is a significant upgrade to Apple’s existing cloud service, offering more than just increased storage capacity. With its enhanced privacy features, such as iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, and Mail Privacy Protection, iCloud+ provides robust tools to protect your data and online activity. Additionally, the flexible storage options allow users to manage their digital lives efficiently within the Apple ecosystem. Choosing iCloud+ means securing both your privacy and data, all while taking advantage of a more organized and protected digital environment.
Nur Oğuz