iCloud+new storage plans for Indian users: Benefits and alternatives

Are you running out of storage and considering an iCloud+ upgrade?  Confused about plan options and features? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. iCloud+, Apple‘s premium cloud storage, offers a convenient way to expand your device’s storage, providing more space for photos, videos, files, and even device backups. 

However, understanding iCloud+ plans and features can be confusing. So, to help you decide which iCloud+ plan is the right choice for you, here’s a complete guide to iCloud+ plans, prices, benefits, and alternatives.

Complete guide for iCloud+: Plans, Prices and Payment

As you may be aware, iCloud+ offers several storage tiers to suit your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the plans:

iCloud+ Plans

1. Free: 5GB storage included with your Apple ID. Apple accepts netbanking, UPI and Apple ID balance for recurring payments

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2. 50GB: Starts at Rs 75 per month

3. 200GB: Priced at Rs 219 per month.

4. 2TB: Offers 2TB storage for Rs 749 per month

5. 6TB: Offers 6TB storage for Rs 2,999 per month

6. 12TB: Offers 12TB storage for Rs 5,900 per month

How to upgrade to iCloud+

Here’s how you can upgrade to iCloud+ depending on which device you use:

On your iPhone or iPad

1. Go to Settings, then tap your name.

2. Tap iCloud, then Manage Account Storage or Manage Storage. You can even scroll down and tap Upgrade to iCloud+.

3. Then, tap Buy More Storage or Change Storage Plan.

4. Select the plan of your choice and follow the onscreen instructions.

On your Mac

1. Choose Apple menu > System Settings or System Preferences.

2. Then, click on Apple ID followed by iCloud.

3. Click on Manage or scroll down and tap Upgrade to iCloud+.

4. Then, click “Change Storage Plan” or “Buy More Storage” and choose the plan of your choice.

5. Click Next and enter your Apple ID password.

Upgrade to iCloud+ on your Windows PC

1. Open iCloud for Windows.

2. Tap on Storage.

3. Then, click on Change Storage Plan.

4. Choose the plan of your liking and click Next.

5. Enter your Apple ID password, then click Buy.

iCloud+ Benefits

Upgrading to iCloud+ unlocks a whole suite of features in addition to increased storage space. Here are a few benefits of iCloud+:

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1. iCloud Private Relay: Enhances online privacy by hiding your IP address and encrypting your web traffic while browsing with Safari.

2. Hide My Email: Creates unique, disposable email addresses for online sign-ups, helping to protect your personal email address from spam.

3. Custom Email Domain: Personalise your iCloud email address with a domain you own (available with select plans).

4. HomeKit Secure Video: Securely store, analyse, and view encrypted video recordings from your compatible HomeKit security cameras (one camera and five cameras support with 50GB and 200GB storage plans respectively, while all the other storage plans offer unlimited cameras).

5. Family Sharing: Share your iCloud+ storage with up to five family members.

Alternatives to iCloud+

While iCloud+ offers a convenient storage solution for Apple users, it’s not the only option available in India. Here are some popular alternatives to consider:

1. Google Drive: Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage and integrates seamlessly with other Google services like Docs, Sheets, and Slides. Paid plans offer up to 2TB of storage at competitive prices.

2. Microsoft OneDrive: Microsoft OneDrive integrates well with Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. It provides 5GB of free storage with the option to upgrade to higher tiers for a reasonable cost.

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3. Mega: Mega is another secure cloud storage option with a generous free tier of 20GB. Paid plans offer a good balance of storage and affordability.

4. Dropbox: Dropbox is a pioneer in cloud storage, known for its user-friendly interface and reliable syncing capabilities. It offers a free tier with 2GB of storage and various paid plans for individual and team use.

Now that you know the finer details, choose the plan or cloud storage service that suits you best.