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After shooting high-quality photos and videos on your iPhone 15 Pro Max, you may resort to iCloud to back them up. After all, this cloud storage service is baked into iOS 17 and works automatically in the background. However, some users may eventually move on to a new cloud service. In this case, they would first need to download all their photos and videos from iCloud and then upload them to the alternative. If you're not sure how to download your media from iCloud, you can follow the steps in this guide.
If you use one of the latest iPhones and a Windows PC, you may need to set up iCloud on your computer manually. Unlike on macOS Sonoma, Windows won't sync your iCloud files and other data by default. Fortunately, the setup process is straightforward, and we've detailed it in this guide.
iCloud Private Relay doesn't work the way you think it does
You're not as invisible as you may believe
For a few years now, iCloud Private Relay has been available as an exclusive perk to iCloud+ subscribers. This feature, from afar, may appear as a VPN service baked into iOS 17 on a system level. However, some core differences exist between regular VPN services and Apple's solution. While they share a couple of aspects, they cater to different types of customers and use cases. So, let's clear these common misconceptions and clarify what iCloud Private Relay really does.
5 security features that all Apple users should be using
Apple is known for being a leader in security and privacy, but the best features are only useful if you know how to use them.
Apple is known for being a company that values security and privacy, and it routinely adds features designed to keep user data safe. Some benefits are enabled automatically, like end-to-end encryption for some types of data stored on iCloud. However, other tools and features need to be enabled manually before they can be used. Unfortunately, you might not realize you need a data safety feature until it's too late, which is why it's essential to be proactive when it comes to online security.
Best cloud storage services in 2024
There's no shortage of cloud service providers in the computing world, but here are the ones I recommend checking out in 2023.
The importance and convenience of using cloud storage can't be understated. The best cloud storage services will not only help you save storage space on your phones, laptops, and other devices, but they also act as a safe space to tuck your files away from your physical computer and let you easily share them with others. You can also use these services to collaborate with your colleagues or to access your files across a variety of devices.
How to unlock your iPhone using iCloud
Forgetting your iPhone password can have you fearing the worst. Here's how you can unlock it using iCloud and your Apple ID.
Many of us have found ourselves in a position where we can't remember the passcode to our iPhone. Whether it's the great phone you daily drive currently or an old one you need to pull data from, forgetting the passcode to an iPhone can be a dreadful situation. Luckily, you do have some recourse to getting access to your device if you've forgotten the passcode. However, there are some qualifications, so remembering your iPhone password is still your best bet. If you're out of luck, then you can follow the steps below to unlock your iPhone by using your iCloud account.
iCloud+: What's this Apple service, and is it worth paying for?
iCloud+ is an Apple subscription service that offers you extra cloud storage, along with other neat perks. Is it worth your money, though?
Whether you have one of the latest Macs, a new iPhone, or another Apple product, iCloud is the built-in cloud service that keeps your data in sync. When enabled, changes you make in a compatible app on macOS Sonoma will also reflect on iOS 17. But while iCloud is available for free to all users, Apple also offers an iCloud+ subscription service for those who want to make more out of it. But what do you get with a monthly payment and is it worth it?
How to use iCloud services on your Android phone
Apple services don't always work great with Android devices, but you can get iCloud on your Android phone through these steps.
Part of the reason you don't often see people with Android phones using other Apple products is that the two ecosystems aren't designed to work together. While Google offers a plethora of applications on Apple operating systems, only a few Apple apps are available natively on the Google Play Store. But that doesn't mean using Apple services with an Android phone is impossible. Workflows like owning one of the best Android phones and a Mac are possible thanks to the iCloud web client. With this web client, you can add a shortcut to Apple's services right on your home screen and get the iCloud experience on your Android phone. It won't look like it was accessed on one of the best iPhones, but it gets the job done.
Best cloud storage for photos in 2024
Photos and videos take up a lot of storage on your phone, so storing media in the cloud can save on-device space. These are the best services.
Photos and videos take up a lot of storage space, and that's largely because we can take higher-quality photos with smaller camera sensors than ever before. The added file sizes are worth it since they allow you to capture key memories with immense clarity. But smartphones and other mobile devices don't typically offer a lot of storage space, so photos and videos can fill up your phone fast. That's why many people look to cloud storage services to fill this gap, which keep your photos secured in the cloud while freeing up on-device space.
How to remove duplicate photos from your iCloud account on an iPhone
If you have multiple versions of the same photo on your iPhone, it will transfer to an iCloud backup and use up space, but you can remove them.
Since iPhones come with non-expandable onboard storage, many owners rely on iCloud cloud storage as a backup — that is, until they get the dreaded “your iCloud storage is full” message, which will occur no matter which great iPhone you own. Unfortunately, Apple only offers 5GB storage for free, after which you can sign up for 50GB for $1.29 per month or 200GB for $3.99 per month. The price jumps more than three times to $12.99 per month if you want to upgrade to 2TB of storage. Before taking this leap with your iPhone, like the new iPhone 14, you can see if you actually need the space by cleaning out your iCloud account and removing content you don’t need.
How to enable Advanced Data Protection in iCloud on an iPhone or iPad
Apple's Advanced Data Protection in iCloud end-to-end encrypts 23 data types. Here's how to enable this feature.
With the release of iOS 16.2, Apple introduced a handy new feature that further protects users' online data. Advanced Data Protection in iCloud end-to-end (E2E) encrypts 23 data types in the cloud, an increase from just 14. When a user enables this optional feature, data types like photos, notes, and device backups receive the E2E treatment, making it harder for unauthorized people to access this data.
Apple bolsters security in iMessage and iCloud, debuts support for hardware security keys
Apple is beefing up security around some its most popular services like iCloud and iMessage, giving users advanced features when they need it.
Privacy and security, whether using an app or sending messages has become a big concern over the past few years, especially as companies become more and more intrusive. Apple has always touted security as one of its main cornerstones whether it has to do with products, services, or applications. Today, the Cupertino giant introduced new security enhancements for some of its services that should put some Apple product users at ease.
iCloud for Windows users are reportedly seeing random family photos from strangers
According to online reports, iCloud for Windows users are dealing with corrupted videos and random photos of families and children from strangers.
Apple boasts about its strict privacy and security measures that keep users' data safe. Many people invest in the company's products, such as the iPhone and Mac, just for the added peace of mind — knowing that their data is away from third-party hands. However, no complex software is bug-free, and sometimes the most secure corporations discover the biggest of vulnerabilities in their systems.
Don't buy your mom a Mac: iCloud Photos integration hits Windows 11 Photos app
Folks with iPhones and PCs can now enjoy iCloud Photos integration in Windows 11's Photos app.
Who says you need a Mac to enjoy the best experience with an iPhone? After a period of initial beta testing in the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft is officially rolling out the iCloud Photos integration in the Windows 11 Photos app to everyone. The news means Apple users who have an iPhone, as well as a Windows PC, can view their favorite photos from their iOS device right on their Windows computer with ease.
Apple debuts revamped iCloud for web, now available in beta
Apple has revamped the web version of iCloud in a new beta, offering a new layout and making it more friendly to use.
Apple has been on a roll recently, debuting new hardware with the release of a new iPad, iPad Pros, and Apple TV 4K. In addition to the new devices, the firm also delivered new software updates, delivering for iOS 16.1, iPadOS 16.1, and macOS Ventura. If all of that wasn't enough, it also made changes to the web version of iCloud, delivering a revamped design that looks fresh, light, and fun.
iCloud for Windows now supports iOS 15's 2FA Code Generator and Password Notes
The iCloud for Windows app has finally gained support for iOS 15's 2-factor authentication code generator and password notes.
With the stable release of iOS 16 being around two months away, Apple is adding the final touches to iOS 15. The Cupertino firm has already introduced all of the features it announced back in WWDC21. Now it's seeding minor updates to last year's big release to patch leftover bugs and glitches. As part of the moving on process, Apple has finally added one of iOS 15's notable features to its iCloud app on Windows. Those running the latest version of this application can now use Apple Keychain's 2FA code generator -- which the company introduced in iOS 15. Additionally, iCloud users on Windows get to view and store Password Notes and use the company's strong password generator.
T-Mobile is blocking some customers from using iCloud Private Relay [Update: T-Mobile statement]
Some T-Mobile subscribers are being blocked from using the Private Relay feature on Apple's iCloud Plus subscription.
Apple announced its iCloud Plus subscription last year, which has a few additional features beyond the usual cloud storage functionality offered by cheaper iCloud plans. The new subscription includes secure video for home cameras, an email proxy service, and Private Relay — a VPN-like feature supported on iOS 15 that routes all internet traffic in the Safari web browser through multiple points to obscure the origin. This feature is intended to improve privacy, but it seems T-Mobile isn't interested.