1. iCloud Drive
Apple’s iCloud is not just for backing up files, but also for seamlessly interacting with them across devices. Its online iCloud Drive provides a central repository for all data types and supports targeted file sharing (with the option to allow anyone with the link to access).
Changes made to an iCloud Drive-containing file are automatically synchronized across devices. Additionally, the service offers a 5 GB free storage plan, with an option to upgrade to more storage space for an additional fee.
With its widespread availability and convenience, it’s no surprise that iCloud is one of the most popular cloud services for iOS users. However, it’s important to understand what exactly iCloud is and how it works before using it. Learn more about iCloud below.
2. iCloud Photos
iCloud Photos was introduced in 2011 as Apple’s centralized photo management system that replaces MobileMe. The service combines high-resolution original images and videos with lightweight, space-saving versions for use on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV and the web.
Users can upload and view their iCloud photos across all devices, including Android phones and Windows computers. They can also share iCloud photos and videos via a simple iCloud link without creating duplicates or counting against their iCloud storage limit.
iCloud Photos features include advanced editing tools, face recognition and search capabilities. The service also includes a syncing feature that eliminates the need for iTunes to sync photos and videos between iPhone and Mac. The service is free with 5 GB of storage, though iCloud users can pay for more storage if needed.
3. iCloud Mail
iCloud Mail provides users with the opportunity to back up emails with free 5GB storage. The service also helps users synchronize emails across multiple devices and offers an extra layer of security with the option to generate a 28-digit recovery key.
Users can create up to three aliases with their iCloud email account, which allows them to separate business and personal emails from one another. The service also offers an efficient spam filter and a sensible archive folder.
iCloud Mail also integrates with Apple’s Contacts and Calendar applications. Changes made to contacts and calendar events on one device will be automatically updated on other devices. This functionality can be useful for businesses that have multiple team members who work remotely. You can also buy iCloud accounts from Bulk Account Sale for email marketing.
4. iCloud Calendar
iCloud Calendar is an excellent digital calendar tool for organizing and planning activities. It syncs across devices so when you change an event, it changes on all your devices. You can also share your calendar with others and decide what permissions to grant them.
Calendar sharing can be done between people who have iCloud accounts and can be either private or public. You can also set up a default time zone that will be displayed when creating new events.
The marketing team at ClickUp is a good example of how iCloud can be used to streamline collaboration, improve productivity, and boost transparency in the workplace. With iCloud, the team is able to easily share project updates and files with clients, avoid version control issues, and meet deadlines on schedule.
5. iCloud Contacts
iCloud Contacts is Apple’s cloud service that keeps your address book synced across all of your iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Windows devices. This synchronization happens in real time, meaning any changes made on one device will immediately appear on another.
This service comes with the pre-installed “Contacts” app, which has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to organize and manage your contacts. Moreover, the app supports two-factor authentication to protect your account from unauthorized access.
Your iCloud account includes 5 GB of free storage space located on Apple’s servers for device backups, app data, iCloud Photo Library photos, email, and more. Nevertheless, any sync or backup activity requires a stable Internet connection. Hence, it is not uncommon for iCloud to encounter sync issues from time to time.
6. iCloud Notes
Apple has built iCloud into the iPod touch, iPhone and Mac operating systems to provide web access (independent of hardware platform), synchronization, backing up, tracking and other features. iCloud Notes is another example of iCloud services that benefits from this integration. It’s easy to email or import notes between Mac and iOS devices, as well as iPhone and iPad. iCloud Notes also allows users to create “Smart Folders” that automatically populate with notes tagged with certain keywords or other criteria, which can help keep notes organized and relevant. iCloud Notes is encrypted both in transit and on server, although not with end-to-end encryption like other iCloud apps.
7. iCloud Books
iCloud Books is an Apple service that syncs your library, collections, annotations, highlights, tags, and reading progress across your Apple devices. It also enables you to read on multiple Apple devices at the same time by keeping your current reading state (chapter/page) in iCloud and updating it when you close a book, change collections or bookmarks, and even go back to where you left off. The reading status is stored in a private database of your personal iCloud account, unlike other iCloud services, so you can sync even non-iBooks Store books using this feature.
Sams Teach Yourself iCloud in 10 Minutes is an all-in-one guide that provides straightforward information on the most important features of Apple’s cloud service. Each lesson zeroes in on a specific aspect of the service and explains it through concise descriptions and clear, accurate step-by-step instructions.
