iCloud Backup
iCloud Backup is Apple’s iOS service for backing up and syncing files and data across devices.
What iCloud Backup is
iCloud Backup is Apple’s iOS service for backing up and syncing files and data across devices. It supports mobile and video backup, file restoration, original-quality storage, face search, shared albums, and family sharing. A desktop app is also listed. The service supports file-level backup and restore, but not computer or server backup, and it does not include ransomware protection.
The free iCloud plan includes 5 GB of storage. Paid iCloud+ plans are billed monthly: 50GB costs $0.99 a month and includes iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domain, and HomeKit Secure Video for one camera. The 200GB plan costs $2.99 a month and supports five HomeKit Secure Video cameras; 2TB costs $9.99 a month and supports unlimited cameras. The 6TB plan costs $29.99 a month, while 12TB costs $59.99 a month; each includes features from the preceding tier. A separate iCloud 5GB plan is listed without a price and is described as backing up and syncing data across devices.
Good
- The free plan includes 5 GB of storage.
- Original-quality photo storage is supported.
- Shared albums and family sharing are available.
- Video backup and file restoration are supported.
Watch out
- Computer backup is not supported.
- Server backup is not supported.
- Ransomware protection is not included.
Who it suits
It suits iOS users who want to back up and sync files, photos, and video across devices. The paid tiers may fit people who need more storage or the included iCloud+ and HomeKit Secure Video features.
Verdict
iCloud Backup covers mobile file and video backup, with storage tiers from a free 5 GB plan to paid iCloud+ options. It is not a fit for computer or server backup, and it does not provide ransomware protection.
Plans and prices
From iCloud Backup's own pricing page, checked 21 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud free | Free | 5 GB storage |
| iCloud+ 50GB | $0.99 a month | 50GB storage · Private Relay · Hide My Email · custom email domain · one HomeKit Secure Video camera · family sharing up to five people · monthly |
| iCloud+ 200GB | $2.99 a month | 200GB storage · includes 50GB features · HomeKit Secure Video up to five cameras · monthly |
| iCloud+ 2TB | $9.99 a month | 2TB storage · includes 200GB features · unlimited HomeKit Secure Video cameras · monthly |
| iCloud+ 6TB | $29.99 a month | 6TB storage · includes 2TB features · monthly |
| iCloud+ 12TB | $59.99 a month | 12TB storage · includes 6TB features · monthly |
| iCloud 5GB | Free | 5GB storage · backup and sync |
The facts
Each one read from iCloud Backup's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Advanced security
- Advanced Data Protection makes most iCloud categories, including backups and photos, end-to-end encrypted with keys held by trusted devices.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Automatic backup
- iCloud Backup can run automatically when an iPhone or iPad is locked, connected to power and on Wi-Fi.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Backup contents
- Backups contain device information and settings that are not already synchronized to iCloud.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Backup scope
- filechecked 19 Sep 2026
- Chrome extension function
- The iCloud Passwords extension fills iCloud Keychain passwords in Chrome and can generate verification codes.checked 21 Oct 2026
- CloudKit JS
- CloudKit JS uses container IDs and API tokens to connect web apps to iCloud containers in development or production environments.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Computer backup
- Nochecked 19 Sep 2026
- Developer API
- CloudKit provides framework interfaces for moving structured app and user data between apps and iCloud containers.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Documentation depth
- Apple publishes setup guidance for enabling the iCloud capability in Xcode and configuring CloudKit containers.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Family sharing
- Every iCloud+ tier can be shared with up to five other family members at no extra charge.checked 21 Oct 2026
- File storage
- iCloud Drive stores files and makes them accessible from Apple devices and the web.checked 21 Oct 2026
- HomeKit integration
- HomeKit Secure Video supports one camera on 50GB, five on 200GB and unlimited cameras on higher tiers.checked 21 Oct 2026
- iCloud launch
- Apple announced iCloud on October 4, 2011 and scheduled public availability for October 12, 2011.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Licence
- Apple's iCloud terms describe the service software as proprietary and owned by Apple or its licensors.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Limit: pricing
- GetApp review summaries identify limited free capacity and recurring upgrade costs as common complaints.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Messages
- Messages in iCloud synchronizes conversations across devices and supports end-to-end encryption.checked 21 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Apple Invites
- iCloud+ subscribers receive full Apple Invites access for creating invitations and managing events.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Browser support
- On PC, Apple lists Firefox 128 or later, Chrome 130 or later in desktop mode, or Edge 130 or later for iCloud.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Limit: cross-platform use
- Capterra reviewers describe Windows compatibility and synchronization as less smooth than Apple-device use.checked 21 Oct 2026
The company
- Company founding
- LinkedIn lists Apple as founded in 1976.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Company headquarters
- LinkedIn lists Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California.checked 21 Oct 2026
- Company size
- LinkedIn lists Apple as having more than 10,001 employees.checked 21 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 19 Sep 2026
- Limit: free storage
- Capterra reviewers frequently say the included storage fills quickly, especially with photos, videos and backups.checked 21 Oct 2026
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