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SPECIFICTION
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iCloud Backup

apple.com

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSiOSAndroidAPI
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Spec score 9.3 #5 of 71 in Photo Storage Services

What it is

iCloud Backup is Apple’s iOS service for backing up and synchronizing files and other data across devices. It supports mobile and video backup, file restoration, original-quality storage, face search, shared albums, family sharing, and a desktop app. The free plan includes 5 GB. Paid iCloud+ storage starts at $0.99 a month for 50GB, with monthly tiers of 2.99 USD for 200GB, 9.99 USD for 2TB, 29.99 USD for 6TB, and 59.99 USD for 12TB. The 50GB tier adds iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, Custom Email Domain, and HomeKit Secure Video for one camera. The 200GB tier supports five cameras, and 2TB supports unlimited cameras; higher tiers include the preceding features. Computer and server backup are not supported, and ransomware protection is not included. The service is listed for iOS.

Spec sheet

What it does
iCloud stores and synchronizes photos, files, documents, contacts, calendars, mail and other data across Apple devices and iCloud.com.Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Supported platforms
iosRead 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
Free plan
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
Paid from
0.99Read 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
Advanced security
Advanced Data Protection makes most iCloud categories, including backups and photos, end-to-end encrypted with keys held by trusted devices.Read 21 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com
Apple Invites
iCloud+ subscribers receive full Apple Invites access for creating invitations and managing events.Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Automatic backup
iCloud Backup can run automatically when an iPhone or iPad is locked, connected to power and on Wi-Fi.Read 21 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com
Backup contents
Backups contain device information and settings that are not already synchronized to iCloud.Read 21 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com
Backup scope
fileRead 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
Browser support
On PC, Apple lists Firefox 128 or later, Chrome 130 or later in desktop mode, or Edge 130 or later for iCloud.Read 21 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com
Chrome extension function
The iCloud Passwords extension fills iCloud Keychain passwords in Chrome and can generate verification codes.Read 21 Oct 2026 · chromewebstore.google.com
CloudKit JS
CloudKit JS uses container IDs and API tokens to connect web apps to iCloud containers in development or production environments.Read 21 Oct 2026 · developer.apple.com
Company founding
LinkedIn lists Apple as founded in 1976.Read 21 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company headquarters
LinkedIn lists Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, California.Read 21 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company size
LinkedIn lists Apple as having more than 10,001 employees.Read 21 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Computer backup
NoRead 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
Developer API
CloudKit provides framework interfaces for moving structured app and user data between apps and iCloud containers.Read 21 Oct 2026 · developer.apple.com
Documentation depth
Apple publishes setup guidance for enabling the iCloud capability in Xcode and configuring CloudKit containers.Read 21 Oct 2026 · developer.apple.com
Family sharing
Every iCloud+ tier can be shared with up to five other family members at no extra charge.Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
File storage
iCloud Drive stores files and makes them accessible from Apple devices and the web.Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
HomeKit integration
HomeKit Secure Video supports one camera on 50GB, five on 200GB and unlimited cameras on higher tiers.Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
iCloud launch
Apple announced iCloud on October 4, 2011 and scheduled public availability for October 12, 2011.Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Licence
Apple's iCloud terms describe the service software as proprietary and owned by Apple or its licensors.Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Limit: cross-platform use
Capterra reviewers describe Windows compatibility and synchronization as less smooth than Apple-device use.Read 21 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Limit: free storage
Capterra reviewers frequently say the included storage fills quickly, especially with photos, videos and backups.Read 21 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Limit: pricing
GetApp review summaries identify limited free capacity and recurring upgrade costs as common complaints.Read 21 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Messages
Messages in iCloud synchronizes conversations across devices and supports end-to-end encryption.Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Mobile backup
YesRead 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
Notable outage
MacRumors reported interruptions affecting iCloud Photos, Mail, Calendar, Contacts, web apps and iWork for iCloud on August 18, 2026.Read 21 Oct 2026 · macrumors.com
Photo syncing
iCloud Photos keeps a current photo and video library available across signed-in devices.Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Praise: ease of use
GetApp's review analysis reports that users value simple setup, automatic backups and straightforward navigation.Read 21 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Praise: ecosystem syncing
GetApp reviewers repeatedly praise effortless synchronization and access across Apple devices.Read 21 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Privacy features
Paid iCloud+ plans add Private Relay, Hide My Email and custom email domains.Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
Ransomware protection
NoRead 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
Rating on Chrome Web Store
2.6 out of 5 from 2.7K ratingsRead 21 Oct 2026 · chromewebstore.google.com
Rating on GetApp
4.6 out of 5 from 1,989 verified reviewsRead 21 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Rating on Trustpilot
1.3 out of 5 from 146 reviewsRead 21 Oct 2026 · trustpilot.com
Rating on TrustRadius
8.4 out of 10 from 650 reviews and ratingsRead 21 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Restore modes
fileRead 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
Security defaults
Standard protection encrypts iCloud data in transit and at rest while Apple stores the keys for account recovery.Read 21 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com
Security recovery limit
With Advanced Data Protection enabled, Apple cannot recover data if the user loses account access and recovery credentials.Read 21 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com
Server backup
NoRead 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
System requirements
Apple's current recommended PC setup is Windows 11 with iCloud for Windows 15 and Outlook 2021 or later.Read 21 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com
Web access
iCloud.com provides browser access to iCloud data, with sessions encrypted in transit.Read 21 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com
Windows distribution
Apple distributes the current iCloud for Windows application through the Microsoft Store.Read 21 Oct 2026 · support.apple.com

Plans and prices

iCloud free Free 5 GB storage Read 21 Sep 2026 · apple.com
iCloud 5GB Priced on request Back up and sync data across devices Read 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
iCloud 5GB Price not published Back up and sync data across devices Read 19 Sep 2026 · apple.com
iCloud+ 50GB $0.99 a month monthly 50GB storage · Private Relay · Hide My Email · custom email domain · one HomeKit Secure Video camera · family sharing up to five people Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
iCloud+ 200GB $2.99 a month monthly 200GB storage · includes 50GB features · HomeKit Secure Video up to five cameras Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
iCloud+ 2TB $9.99 a month monthly 2TB storage · includes 200GB features · unlimited HomeKit Secure Video cameras Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
iCloud+ 6TB $29.99 a month monthly 6TB storage · includes 2TB features Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
iCloud+ 12TB $59.99 a month monthly 12TB storage · includes 6TB features Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com
iCloud 5GB Free 5GB storage · backup and sync Read 21 Oct 2026 · apple.com

Every iCloud Backup plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free plan includes 5 GB
  • Supports mobile and video backup
  • Stores photos in original quality
  • Includes face search and shared albums
  • Family sharing is available

Limits

  • Computer backup is not supported
  • Server backup is not supported
  • No ransomware protection
  • Paid storage starts at $0.99 a month

Who it suits

iCloud Backup suits iOS users who want mobile file and video backup, photo features, and shared storage across devices. It is less suitable for computer or server backup needs.

Verdict

iCloud Backup combines iOS backup with photo search, albums, family sharing, and several storage tiers. Its scope is mobile and file-focused, so computer, server, and ransomware safeguards are outside the listed offering.

Where Specifiction places it

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