How Much Is iCloud? A Complete Guide to iCloud Pricing Plans
Apple's iCloud is a cloud storage service that seamlessly integrates with all your Apple devices, allowing you to store photos, videos, documents, and app data securely. One of the most common questions users ask is: "How much is iCloud backup?"
In this guide, we'll break down iCloud's pricing structure, storage tiers, and key features to help you decide which plan is best for your needs.
iCloud Storage Plans & Pricing (2024 Update)
Apple offers multiple iCloud storage plans, ranging from a free tier to paid subscriptions with higher capacity. Here’s the latest pricing breakdown:
| Storage Plan | Price (Per Month) | Best For | |------------------|----------------------|--------------| | 5GB (Free Tier) | $0 | Basic users (backup essential device data only) | | 50GB | $0.99 | Light users (photos, documents, minimal backups) | | 200GB | $2.99 | Families & moderate users (multiple devices) | | 2TB | $9.99 | Power users (large photo/video libraries, heavy backups) |
1. iCloud Free Tier (5GB)
Every Apple ID includes
5GB of free iCloud storage
, which can be used for:
- Device backups (iPhone, iPad, or Mac)
- Storing photos and videos in iCloud Photos
- iCloud Drive files
- App data syncing (Notes, Messages, Contacts)
Limitations:
- A single
iPhone backup
can easily exceed 5GB.
- If you use iCloud Photos, storage fills up quickly.
- Requires frequent cleanup or upgrading to a paid plan.
2. iCloud+ 50GB Plan ($0.99/month)
For just
$0.99/month
, you get
10x more storage (50GB)
than the free tier. This is ideal for:
- Storing a moderate number of photos & videos
- Backing up one or two devices without worry
- Keeping important documents and app data synced
3. iCloud+ 200GB Plan ($2.99/month)
If you have
multiple Apple devices
or share storage with family members (via
Family Sharing
), the
200GB plan
is the best value. Benefits include:
- Enough space for
several iPhone/iPad backups
- Support for
higher-quality photos & videos
- Shared access for up to
5 family members
4. iCloud+ 2TB Plan ($9.99/month)
Power users, photographers, and professionals should consider the
2TB plan
, which provides:
- Storage for
huge media libraries (4K videos, RAW photos)
- Seamless
device backups
without managing space
- Ideal for
business users
storing large documents
What Does iCloud Backup Include?
When you use
iCloud Backup
, it saves:
- Device settings
- App data
- Messages (with attachments)
- Photos & videos (unless using iCloud Photos separately)
- Home screen and app organization
Note: Some items (like purchased music, apps, and iCloud-synced data) don’t count toward your backup because they're stored separately.
Can You Share iCloud Storage?
Yes! With iCloud Family Sharing , one paid plan (200GB or 2TB) can be shared among up to 5 family members , each retaining their own private data.
How to Upgrade or Downgrade iCloud Storage
- On iPhone/iPad:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Change Storage Plan
- On Mac:
- Apple Menu > System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage > Change Storage Plan
- On Windows:
- Open iCloud for Windows and adjust storage settings.
Tips to Save iCloud Storage
If you're running out of space, try:
✅
Disabling unnecessary app backups
✅
Using Google Photos or external drives for media
✅
Deleting old messages & attachments
✅
Turning off iCloud backup for large apps
Final Verdict: Is iCloud Worth It?
- If you have a single iPhone , the 50GB ($0.99/month) plan is sufficient.
- For families or those with multiple devices, 200GB ($2.99/month) is the best deal .
- Professionals and heavy users should opt for 2TB ($9.99/month) .
Bottom line: iCloud is affordable and integrates perfectly with Apple devices, making it a great choice for backup and cloud storage.
Would you like a price comparison with Google One or Dropbox? Let us know in the comments! 🚀