Chapter 1: Common iCloud Questions

The most demanding session I ever conducted at an Apple Store was one focused on iCloud. Many individuals have misconceptions regarding its purpose, functionality, and necessity. To clarify, I've organized the information in a Q&A format based on frequent inquiries.

Q: If I remove a photo from my iPhone, does it remain in iCloud?

A: Absolutely not.

This is one of the biggest misunderstandings regarding iCloud Photos. iCloud essentially mirrors the content across your devices. Anything stored on your iPhone, iPad, or sometimes even your Mac is reflected in iCloud. Thus, when you delete a photo from one device, it is removed from all of them. Apple even revised the wording of the deletion prompt last year to make this clearer.

While there are methods to bypass this issue, they involve third-party applications. For instance, you could utilize Google Photos or Dropbox, or transfer images to iCloud Drive. Additionally, connecting your iPhone or iPad to a computer for transfers is an option. Nowadays, it's also relatively straightforward to attach a flash drive to your iPhone or iPad. However, these alternatives necessitate extra steps, which many users tend to overlook.

Unfortunately, many users pose this question only after they've deleted their photos. Once deleted, a photo is permanently lost.

Q: Is using iCloud mandatory? I prefer not to use cloud services.

A: Technically, you aren’t required to use it.

However, I often explain the advantages. First, I point out that they likely use cloud services daily. If they have an email account, for example, they are already utilizing the cloud. Simply put, the cloud signifies that your data is stored on the servers of the service provider you use. For email, it could be Yahoo, Google, or Apple. What you see on your device isn't actually stored there.

iCloud is integral to most Apple products, serving primarily two functions: synchronization and backups. It ensures that your contacts, calendars, reminders, and other information remain consistent across all devices, while backups protect your photos and data from being lost. Although you can deactivate iCloud, doing so would make you feel like you've reverted to an older flip phone.

Q: Why do I need to purchase additional iCloud storage? My iPhone keeps notifying me that I’m out of space.

A: Officially, Apple provides only 5GB of free iCloud storage.

Unofficially, it's because this is one of their significant revenue streams. Five gigabytes feels inadequate, especially when the iPhone 15 starts at 128GB and the iPhone 15 Pro Max reaches up to 1TB. Even the 50GB iCloud storage plan at 99 cents per month hardly makes a dent in your needs. To back up your data on iCloud, additional storage will be necessary.

My spouse and I are currently using over 800GB of iCloud storage, so we opted for the Apple One bundle, which includes 2TB of storage along with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, and Apple News & Fitness. However, it comes at a premium price of $32.95 monthly.

Apple has introduced new iCloud storage plans for larger devices, but they are not inexpensive—6TB for $29.99 per month and $59.99 for 12TB. Apple asserts these are competitive prices, but they can still be surprising for some users. The alternative is to back up your data on your computer for free.

Q: How does iCloud Photos operate? Where can I find my photos?

A: They are available in both iCloud and on your iPhone, albeit in different sizes.

This concept can be tricky, and even I find it challenging to explain. When you capture a photo or video, the full-size version uploads to the cloud, while a smaller version remains on your device, similar to a thumbnail. When viewing the image, you won’t notice any difference, but it occupies less space.

If you need to edit a photo or video, iCloud retrieves the full version for you to edit, and then uploads the edited version back to the cloud. This is why videos may not play or buffer when offline; your iPhone needs to access iCloud for them.

Thanks to iCloud Photos, I can keep over 32,000 images on my iPhone without nearing full capacity. A recent enhancement to iCloud allows for backing up your Messages. Many customers have expressed dismay upon discovering that their text messages wouldn't transfer to a new iPhone. However, this feature also requires additional iCloud storage, as messages consume more space than you might expect—particularly if you frequently send images.

Remember, you must ensure that this feature is enabled in your iCloud settings.

There will always be a complex relationship with iCloud. Some users find it incredibly beneficial, while others view it as a necessary inconvenience. Regardless of your perspective, utilizing iCloud can greatly enhance your experience with Apple devices.

I recently decided to transition my Apple and technology-related content to a new account. If you're interested in exploring my earlier work on this subject, click here.

Chapter 2: Analyzing iCloud Concerns

The first video titled "What's wrong with iCloud?" delves into the common pitfalls users encounter with iCloud, providing insights and solutions.

The second video, "Apple iCloud 'thinks different' on what the delete button means: still claims repair hurts privacy," discusses Apple's perspective on privacy and data management within iCloud.