At WWDC 2021, Apple announced that they improved the capabilities of its cloud storage service iCloud with a new tier called iCloud+. This upgraded version is designed to improve iCloud’s privacy; and as part of that effort, the Cupertino giant has included three new capabilities to iOS 15. Today, we’ll talk about the benefits of this new upgrade and how to add it to your Apple account.
What exactly is iCloud+?
iCloud Plus is Apple’s most recent subscription option for iCloud that includes privacy features to iCloud and enhances its capabilities. Hide My Email, Private Relay; and expanded HomeKit Secure Video support are also included in this new upgrade. The main thing, this new upgrade’s features are only available to premium iCloud users.
iCloud+ Features
Hide My Email
Users can utilize the Hide My Email feature to generate random email addresses to hide their primary email addresses. Users can find this feature in iCloud settings, Safari, and also in the native Mail app. Apple claims that you can create and remove as many addresses as you want.
If you’re not part of Apple’s ecosystem, you can create email aliases using a service like Firefox Relay or SimpleLogin.
Relay Service for Individuals
Private Relay is a new feature in the Safari browser that helps preserve your privacy while exploring the web. While browsing, Apple claims that Private Relay uses a dual-hop design. All of your device’s online traffic is encrypted; and routed through two web relays.
The first relay assigns an anonymous IP address, while the second relay decrypts web addresses and directs users to the desired location. No single entity can identify the person or the websites they visit. Consider it as a VPN, although Apple’s implementation of Private Relay isn’t identical to what you’d find on a VPN.
HomeKit Secure Video Expansion
HomeKit Secure Video support is another feature of this new upgrade. By using this feature, users can connect additional cameras to the Home app to observe home security video footage. The recorded video clips will not take up any of your iCloud storage space.
This feature has 3 plans. The 50GB plan allows you to connect one HomeKit Secure Video camera, the 200GB plan lets you join up to five HomeKit Secure Video cameras, and the 2TB plan allows you to connect the unlimited number of cameras.
iCloud+ Price
Apple will offer iCloud Plus to paid iCloud subscribers at no additional expense. If you live in the United States, this new upgrade is available in three different plans: 50GB for $0.99 per month, 200GB for $2.99 per month, and 2TB for $9.99 per month. Customers in India will have to pay Rs. 75 for a 50GB plan, Rs. 219 for a 200GB plan, and Rs. 749 for a 2TB plan monthly.
Is iCloud Plus Comes With Apple One Subscription?
Several Apple One subscribers have inquired if it is included in their Apple One membership. The answer is yes. If you have Apple One subscription, you will receive this upgrade as part of your subscription.
For those who are unfamiliar with Apple One. Well, Apple One is a monthly membership service that includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud. This misunderstanding arose as a result of a glitch in the iOS 15 developer preview that caused users to subscribe to this new upgrade in addition to the Apple One.
If you have the iOS 15 developer beta installed on your iPhone and experiencing the same problem, a restart should resolve the problem.
iCloud+ Release Date and Supported Countries
Later this fall, users will have access to this upgrade. The service will be available in areas where Apple already has an iCloud presence. However, Apple told Reuters that the Private Relay function of iCloud Plus will not be offered in China, Belarus, Colombia, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkmenistan, Uganda, and the Philippines.
Conclusion
iCloud Plus is one of the finest freebies that Apple premium subscribers may get. Its video integration, email concealing, and relay service capabilities set it apart from the competition. Not only that, but its inexpensive price removes one barrier for users, which is a plus.
Finally, this article explained how iCloud+ differs from other cloud services including its usage, features, and availability. Now put down your thoughts on the blog, such as what you’ve learned about iCloud Plus, and share it with those that are in need.