Engadget: Is Paying for Extra iCloud Storage Worth It?
Engadget explains whether Apple's paid iCloud storage plans are worthwhile and how to choose among 50GB, 200GB and larger tiers.
According to the publication, most Apple devices now ship with 256GB of local storage, but the free iCloud tier remains too small for many users, especially as backups, messages, passwords, notes and emails are increasingly stored remotely.
Engadget says Apple's 50GB iCloud+ plan, at $0.99 a month, is sufficient for those who want to sync contacts, app settings, messages and documents across devices. For users with thousands of photos and videos, the $2.99 monthly 200GB plan is the one most people sign up for. The article advises starting with 50GB if uncertain, and moving up when it fills.
For heavy users shooting RAW photos or 4K video, or backing up large Mac files, Apple offers 2TB, 6TB and 12TB iCloud+ tiers. The storage can be especially useful for those using three or more Apple devices.
Subscribing to iCloud+ also unlocks features such as Private Relay, Hide My Email and support for HomeKit Secure Video. Engadget notes that higher storage tiers allow more security cameras to be synced to the account. The publication also mentions Apple One bundles, which combine Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, iCloud+ storage and other services into a single monthly plan.
Whether paying for iCloud+ or Apple One is worthwhile, Engadget concludes, depends on how many Apple services a person uses daily and what they are willing to spend.