Apple enhanced the features of its iCloud cloud storage service at WWDC 2021 by adding a new tier it dubbed iCloud+. The Cupertino firm has added three new capabilities to iOS 15 as part of its iCloud+ or iCloud Plus initiative to improve the privacy element of iCloud. We will talk about iCloud+’s benefits and how to add it to your Apple account now.
iCloud+ Everything You Need to Know (2021)
The most recent subscription level for iCloud from Apple is called iCloud+. Its specifications, costs, availability, supported nations, release date, and even how it differs from iCloud have all been covered in detail. So continue reading to learn everything there is to know about iCloud+.
What is iCloud+?
iCloud+ adds extra privacy options to iCloud, enhancing its functionality. Private Relay, Hide My Email, and enhanced HomeKit Secure Video support are among the in question features. It is important to note that iCloud Plus capabilities are only available to premium iCloud users before we continue.
iCloud+ Features
-
Private Relay
A new function in the Safari browser called Private Relay aids in preserving your privacy when you browse the internet. Apple claims that when you are browsing, Private Relay uses a dual-hop design. All web traffic that leaves your device is passed through two internet relays while being encrypted.
The second relay decrypts the web addresses and directs users to the destination, whereas the first relay assigns an anonymous IP address. In this manner, neither the individual nor the websites they browse are linked to a single entity. Although Apple’s implementation of Private Relay isn’t precisely the same as what you’d get on a VPN, think of it as a VPN.
-
Hide My Email
Users can create random email addresses using the Hide My Email functionality to conceal their primary email address. This function has been incorporated by Apple into the native Mail app, iCloud settings, and Safari. You can create and remove as many addresses as you need, according to Apple.
However, if you are not a part of the Apple ecosystem, you can create email aliases using a service like Firefox Relay or SimpleLogin. Check out our guide on how to use the Hide My Email function on Windows and Android to learn more.
-
HomeKit Secure Video Expansion
Broader HomeKit Secure Video capability is another benefit of iCloud Plus. With this addition, customers may connect more cameras to the Home app to view additional home security video footage. Notably, the video footage won’t use up any of your available iCloud storage.
Depending on your plan, you can connect one, five, or an unlimited number of cameras. For example, the 50GB plan allows you to connect one HomeKit Secure Video camera, the 200GB plan allows you to connect up to five cameras, and the 2TB plan allows you to connect an infinite number of cameras.
iCloud+: Price
Now, I’m sure a lot of people are curious about the price of the iCloud+ subscription. Apple will, however, offer iCloud+ to premium iCloud users at no extra cost. If you live in the United States, you may purchase iCloud Plus in three different monthly plans: 50GB for $0.99, 200GB for $2.99, and 2TB for $9.99. For consumers in India, this corresponds to Rs. 75 for a 50GB plan, Rs. 219 for a 200GB plan, and Rs. 749 for a 2TB plan.
Is iCloud+ Part of Apple One Subscription?
Many Apple One subscribers have inquired as to whether or not iCloud+ is included with their plan. And sure, that is the answer to the query. If you have Apple One, you will receive iCloud+ because the subscription also includes iCloud.
For those who are unaware, Apple One is a monthly membership package that includes iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade. A flaw in the iOS 15 developer beta caused customers to sign up for iCloud+ on top of Apple One, which caused confusion. A restart should solve the problem if you installed iOS 15 developer beta on your iPhone and are experiencing it.
iCloud+: Release Date and Supported Countries
Later this fall, iCloud+ will be accessible to all users. In places where Apple already runs iCloud, the service will launch. Apple has, however, told Reuters that the iCloud Plus Private Relay feature won’t be accessible in China and a few other nations due to legal restrictions.
iCloud+’s Private Relay won’t be accessible outside of China in the following countries: Belarus, Colombia, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkmenistan, Uganda, and the Philippines.
iCloud+ vs iCloud
ICloud+ is not intended to replace iCloud, as we have mentioned. Rather, it introduces fresh features to improve the iCloud experience. The best news is that all of the new iCloud+ capabilities are provided at no extra cost to you.
Briefly said, iCloud Plus upgrades your current iCloud subscription with a number of new privacy enhancements. Make sure to test out the new iCloud+ capabilities when they become available later this year if you are currently a paying iCloud user.
Get New Privacy Features with iCloud+
So that’s all there is to know about using iCloud+. If Google Photos’ decision to discontinue offering free unlimited storage wasn’t enough to convince you to migrate your photos to iCloud, have these new privacy features included with iCloud+ persuaded you? Please tell us in the comments. Visit our articles on how to make a FaceTime conversation between an iPhone and an Android device and how to watch movies using SharePlay on FaceTime for more information on the capabilities that were revealed at WWDC 2021.
