What is Apple iCloud+, how much does it cost, and what's included?

While at WWDC 2021, Apple announced an upgrade to its iCloud paid subscription service. That upgrade is called iCloud+ (or iCloud Plus).

What is iCloud+?

Apple pitched iCloud+ as something that combines "everything you love about iCloud, with some great new features".

When iCloud+ launches later this year, there will be three premium features added. iCloud+ and these new features will be available to all iCloud subscribers, and all iCloud+ plans can be shared with people in the same Family Sharing group. Apple also isn't changing iCloud's prices, which makes you wonder why the company came up with a new "iCloud+" name if it costs the same as iCloud and simply adds new features for everyone. 

What does iCloud+ include?

With iCloud+, you get access to all the basic iCloud features - such as Photos, Backup, and iCloud Drive - plus additional premium features. 

Private relay

On any given day, you may use a variety of networks to browse the web, whether it's the internet in your own home or public Wi-Fi while you're out and on the go. Behind the scenes, network providers and websites can combine your identity and browsing history to create detailed profiles about you. Now, to help protect your identity and privacy online (specifically, through the Safari browser), iCloud+ comes with a feature called Private Relay.

It lets you browse through Safari in what Apple described as "an even more secure and private way". It basically ensures the traffic leaving your device is encrypted - so no one can intercept and read it - and it puts all your requests through two separate internet relays. It's pretty geeky stuff, but the end result is that no one, including Apple, will be able to see who you are or what sites you are visiting. It does this without affecting performance, too.

In other words, Private relay will be Safari's built-in VPN service.

Hide My Email

Have you ever worried about sharing your personal email address, like when you're filling out a form on the web?

Well, with Hide My Email, you can share a unique, random address that will forward messages to your personal inbox. This iCloud+ feature is built right into Mail, Safari, and iCloud settings. Apple said you can set up as many addresses as you need and delete them at any time.

HomeKit Secure Video

Those of you who use smart security cameras to keep an eye on your homes can take advantage of HomeKit Secure Video to connect one, five, or an unlimited number of cameras (depending on your plan) - and none of the video will count against your iCloud storage. It's included in your subscription.

Is that it?

Apple is also introducing features to help manage your iCloud account. There will be a new recovery feature that allows Apple to message security codes to your friends or family if your own device is lost. There’s also a “Digital Legacy” program that lets you choose who can access your files after you die.

How much is iCloud+?

iCloud+ features are all supposed to be included with existing iCloud plans at no additional cost. That means, in the US, iCloud+ will be priced at:

• 50GB with one HomeKit Secure Video camera for $0.99 per month
• 200GB with up to five HomeKit Secure Video cameras for $2.99 per month
• 2TB with an unlimited number of HomeKit Secure Video cameras for $9.99 per month

When will iCloud+ be available?

iCloud subscribers will be upgraded to iCloud+ automatically in autumn 2021.  

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