What iCloud is
iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage and synchronization service, included with an Apple account across the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple describes it as a service that “automatically keeps all your photos, files, and more backed up and available anywhere you go”. A base tier is free; the paid tiers are called iCloud+.
What it does and where it stops
iCloud covers several everyday jobs: iCloud Photos stores full-resolution photos and videos in the cloud with space-saving versions on devices; iCloud Drive exposes files through the Files app, Finder, File Explorer, or iCloud.com; devices back up automatically to iCloud when connected to power and Wi-Fi; notes, calendars, contacts, and passwords stay in sync, and photo collections can be shared with up to five family members.
iCloud+ adds privacy features on top of storage: iCloud Private Relay (limits how websites and network providers can profile Safari browsing), Hide My Email (unique, random forwarding addresses), HomeKit Secure Video (end-to-end encrypted camera footage), and Custom Email Domain. Family Sharing lets up to five other family members share the plan at no extra cost.
Plans and prices vary by country and region; the official iCloud page lists current tiers and prices. iCloud+ is also included in Apple One bundles.
Discussion in the show
In the chapter “Vibe Coding 把硬盘用满之后” (when vibe coding fills the disk) of Weekly #003, Guizang relays a news item saying Apple folded Apple TV membership and related benefits into iCloud and mentions AI tokens inside iCloud. Yang Pan asks whether it is unavailable in China, and Guizang answers that neither China nor the EU is included. This is the participants’ retelling of a news item at the time; its official details have not been confirmed through official channels, and feature availability follows Apple’s official pages.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I sign in to iCloud on the web?
The web entry point is iCloud.com; sign in with an Apple account to reach Photos, Drive, Notes, Calendar, and more. The service overview and plans live on the official iCloud page.
How much free iCloud storage is there?
The official page lists a free 5GB tier; beyond that, iCloud+ subscriptions add storage. Tier sizes and prices are on the same page and vary by region.
How do iCloud and iCloud+ differ?
iCloud+ is the paid tier of iCloud: besides more storage it adds Private Relay, Hide My Email, HomeKit Secure Video, and Custom Email Domain. Family Sharing covers up to five other members at no extra cost, per the official description.
How do I use an iCloud backup when setting up a new device?
Signing in with the same Apple account and restoring from an iCloud backup is one of Apple’s standard migration paths; iCloud backups run automatically when a device is connected to power and Wi-Fi. Follow Apple’s official support documentation for the exact steps.