Is iCloud+ Worth It? Read This Before Upgrading

Article Summary

• Is it Worth it for iCloud+?: Yes, for Apple customers needing more storage and privacy features. Besides more iCloud Storage, iCloud+ includes valuable functionality such as Private Relay for encrypted web browsing and Hide My Email for increased safety.
• Affordable Pricing for iCloud+: Prices start at $0.99 per month for 50GB, and up to 2TB is available for households, professionals, and photographers.
• Canceling the iCloud+ Subscription: Once canceled, the storage returns to 5GB, and the excess content remains inaccessible until the files are removed or the account gets re-subscribed.
• There Are Some Downsides: iCloud+ is best for Apple consumers. It features limited multi-platform support and enhances only the privacy of Safari, not third-party apps and browsers. It also bewilders individuals who think it boosts the device’s physical storage – it doesn’t.

Apple’s iCloud has become a go-to solution for many users who are managing their digital lives. From backing up photos and videos to keeping files consistent between devices, it simplifies life for Apple fans. 

However, with the launch of the new iCloud+ in 2021, individuals are left with questions about it: What exactly is the new iCloud+, and should they upgrade their current iCloud? My Computer Works team wants to help you learn precisely what iCloud+ includes, how it compares with the free version, and whether it’s appropriate for your storage and privacy needs. 

In this blog, we’ll cover the benefits of using iCloud+, answer the most frequently asked questions, such as the cost, and give you valuable tips for handling your photos, storage, and backups.

iCloud vs. iCloud+: What’s the Difference?

Apple automatically offers free iCloud for all of its customers. All Apple IDs come with 5GB of free cloud storage for backing up valuable items, such as contacts, calendars, photos, and app content. However, 5GB isn’t much if you take a lot of pictures and videos – and we mean a lot.

iCloud+ fulfills this need. It is a paid upgrade to Apple’s iCloud, adding more features and increased storage. The free iCloud account suffices for the essentials of backups, but the upgrade includes much more for customers who need more flexibility, privacy, and storage.

What is iCloud+, and Is It Worth the Upgrade?

So, What is iCloud+? Apple is trying to bundle more functionality into its cloud platform to become a multi-purpose platform for organizing safety and privacy handling. 

If you’re heavily invested in the world of Apple – with iPhone, iPad, Mac, or the three of these products together – iCloud+ may be worth the cost. With more than just the expanded iCloud storage, you’re treated to tools that keep your files private and safe while searching the internet or sharing your email.

iCloud Free vs Paid? 

The free account includes 5GB of baseline storage for backups and syncing, while iCloud+ includes more storage, starting at 50GB, plus enhanced privacy protections, including Private Relay and Hide My Email.

If you use Apple products only occasionally or backup systems elsewhere (like Google Photos for photos), the 5GB freebie might suffice. However, for serious Apple enthusiasts, content professionals, and households with more people using the devices, iCloud+ has become increasingly vital.

The Benefits of iCloud+: Why You Might Want to Upgrade

Let’s talk about the benefits of iCloud+ and why it may be worth subscribing to.

1. Space for more Storage: As we mentioned above, this is the most obvious benefit. With plans ranging from 50 GB to 2TB, you can back up files, videos, and photos without fear of ever hitting the ceiling of your cap.
2. Private Relay: This is a privacy feature and Apple’s solution for VPN-like functionality, but it is not a VPN. It encrypts Safari internet traffic and conceals your IP address for enhanced web surfing privacy. However, you should know it doesn’t work in all regions.
3. Hide My Email: With Hide My Email, you can create burner addresses that forward to your main account. You can turn these off at any time. With this functionality, you can avoid sharing your email with new websites and prevent spam. 
4. HomeKit Secure Video: If you use Apple’s HomeKit-enabled home security cameras, iCloud+ provides encrypted video storage for your recordings, ensuring your home videos remain secure and private. However, you should know that the number of cameras supported depends on the iCloud+ plan you’re on.

Managing Photos & Storage

Keeping your photos and iPhone storage organized can be challenging, especially with the high-resolution pictures and videos of the modern era. Many users take multiple photos and videos daily, and these inevitably pile up. To effectively control your digital memories, it helps to learn about the operation of iCloud Photo Storage and the relationship between it and your device’s free space. Here are the essentials that are worth noting:

How to Move Photos to iCloud and Free Up iPhone Storage

One of the most common reasons people switch to iCloud+ is the ability to utilize iCloud Photo Storage. Should the iPhone run out of space, offloading photos to the cloud is feasible, freeing up local storage.

Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
2. Click your Apple ID > iCloud > Photos.
3. Turn on iCloud Photos.
4. Choose Optimize iPhone Storage to save local space.

Does iCloud Free Up Storage on Your iPhone?

Yes, with the caveat that your complete-resolution photos and videos are stored by iCloud in the cloud, with the smaller resolutions saved locally on your iPhone. That helps, but it does not solve the problem if you are clogged up with huge apps or other files occupying space on your iPhone. 

If you don’t subscribe to iCloud+ and want access to more storage space on your phone, you’ll need to organize photos, delete unneeded app files, clear the Safari cache, and export large files to your computer or external device.

Subscription & Account Management

It is easy to upgrade to iCloud+, but it is just as crucial to be clear about what happens if you cancel it. Here are the costs of iCloud+, the offerings for its cost, and the consequences of canceling payments:

How Much is iCloud+ Monthly?

The Current 2025 rates from Apple are as follows:

• 50GB: $0.99/month
• 200GB: $2.99/month
• 2TB: $9.99/month

For the latest pricing for your region, visit Apple’s official iCloud+ Pricing Page.

What Happens If You Stop Paying for Your iCloud+ Subscription?

If you cancel your iCloud+ subscription, your storage will drop back to 5GB. If you exceed that limit, new backups will stop, and some services will be paused until you reduce your usage. To avoid frustration, you should consider maintaining your subscription.

If you stop paying, Apple will not automatically erase your photos. However, you can no longer access part of your data that resides outside the free 5GB. In addition, new emails, photos, and backups won’t sync or upload. We recommend downloading or transferring your data before canceling to avoid losing it.

Are there iCloud+ Alternatives?

If you’re not fully committed to Apple and iCloud,  you can consider these alternatives:

• Google One: This Google-based platform is compatible with all devices. It is an attractive choice since it offers competitive pricing and extensive photo backup.
• Dropbox: Ideal for sharing files and co-authoring between devices.
• OneDrive: The perfect solution for Windows users needing hassle-free integration.

The Potential Downsides of iCloud+

Despite its perks, iCloud+ isn’t perfect. Here are some drawbacks to consider:

• Limited Cross-Platform Compatibility: While it is possible to use iCloud with Windows, the functionality is not the best, meaning it’s less integrated than that of Apple devices.
• Trade-offs for Privacy: Although Private Relay enhances browsing privacy, it’s limited to Safari – not your entire device.
• Misleading Storage Management: Most individuals mistakenly assume that buying iCloud Storage adds more built-in iPhone storage, but it does not. This is a source of frustration for many.

The Wrap-Up on if iCloud+ is Worth It

So, is iCloud+ worth it? The upgrade makes perfect sense if you rely heavily on Apple devices and need extra storage, privacy, and email management tools. However, alternatives like Google One or Dropbox may suit you better if you only need minimal backup or prefer cross-platform compatibility.

At My Computer Works, we specialize in PC and computer support and are happy to help Apple customers maximize the use of their devices. Whether you need assistance setting up the cloud with iCloud, importing and exporting data, or exploring alternatives, our professionals are here to help. Contact us at My Computer Works now!