When Apple announced iCloud to replace their MobileMe service, they provided MobileMe users with extra free storage on iCloud. iCloud comes with 5GB of storage for free, which is available to all users.
Apple gave old MobileMe users a total of 20GB of storage for free, but that offer has now ended, and the storage has been set back to the standard 5GB of free storage.
As you can see from the photo above, I just received this email from Apple confirming that my free iCloud storage has now ended. If you want additional iCloud storage above the free 5GB, this can be purchased at an additional cost.
Understanding iCloud Storage Plans
Apple offers several iCloud storage plans to cater to different user needs. The basic free plan includes 5GB of storage, which is often sufficient for basic backups, documents, and a small number of photos. However, for users who require more space, Apple provides several paid options:
– 50GB Plan: This plan costs $0.99 per month and is suitable for users who need more space for photos, videos, and additional backups.
– 200GB Plan: Priced at $2.99 per month, this plan is ideal for families or individuals with extensive photo libraries and multiple devices.
– 2TB Plan: At $9.99 per month, this plan is perfect for power users, professionals, and families who need a significant amount of storage for various types of data.
These plans can be shared with family members through Apple’s Family Sharing feature, making it a cost-effective solution for households.
Benefits of Upgrading iCloud Storage
Upgrading your iCloud storage comes with several benefits that enhance the overall user experience:
1. Seamless Backup and Syncing: With more storage, you can back up all your devices without worrying about running out of space. This ensures that your data is safe and can be easily restored if needed.
2. Enhanced Photo and Video Storage: High-resolution photos and 4K videos take up a lot of space. Upgrading your storage allows you to keep all your memories in one place without having to delete older files.
3. Document and File Storage: For professionals and students, having ample storage means you can keep all your important documents, presentations, and projects accessible from any device.
4. App Data and Game Saves: Many apps and games use iCloud to save data. More storage ensures that you can continue using these apps without any interruptions.
5. Family Sharing: With larger storage plans, you can share the space with family members, making it easier to manage everyone’s data in one place.
For example, a family of four can share the 200GB plan, with each member having enough space for their personal data, photos, and app backups. This not only simplifies storage management but also makes it more economical.
In conclusion, while the end of the free 20GB storage for former MobileMe users may be disappointing, Apple offers a range of affordable iCloud storage plans to meet various needs. Upgrading your storage ensures that you can take full advantage of Apple’s ecosystem, keeping your data safe, accessible, and organized. Whether you’re a casual user, a professional, or part of a family, there’s an iCloud storage plan that can cater to your requirements.
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