iCloud Drive
What iCloud Drive is
iCloud Drive stores files and folders online and keeps updates in sync across devices. You can reach files in the Files app on iPhone and iPad, Finder on Mac, File Explorer on Windows with iCloud for Windows, or a browser at iCloud.com. The free iCloud plan includes 5 GB. Paid iCloud+ plans are $0.99 a month for 50 GB, $2.99 a month for 200 GB, $9.99 a month for 2 TB, $29.99 a month for 6 TB, and $59.99 a month for 12 TB. Share files and folders by link, set whether recipients can edit or only view and download, and see collaborators’ changes in real time. Deleted files remain recoverable from Recently Deleted for 30 days, but permanent deletion cannot be undone. By default, Apple holds the encryption keys. Advanced Data Protection makes iCloud Drive end-to-end encrypted with keys held by trusted devices; browser access then requires temporary approval from a trusted device.
Who it suits
iCloud Drive suits people who want files synchronized across Apple devices, Windows PCs, and the web. Its sharing controls, collaborative editing, and range of storage plans may also suit households or teams sharing files.
What it does well
- Free plan includes 5 GB of storage.
- Files sync across supported devices.
- Shared files support editing or view-only access.
- Collaborators’ changes appear in real time.
- Advanced Data Protection enables end-to-end encryption.
What to know first
- Permanently deleted files cannot be recovered.
- Windows access requires iCloud for Windows.
- Advanced Data Protection disables web access unless re-enabled and approved.
Limits
The free iCloud plan includes 5 GB of storage. Deleted files are recoverable from Recently Deleted for 30 days; permanently deleted files cannot be recovered.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud | 5 GB storage | On request |
| iCloud+ 50GB | $0.99/month · 50GB storage · iCloud Private Relay · Hide My Email · Custom Email Domain · HomeKit Secure Video for one camera | $0.99 a month |
| iCloud+ 200GB | $2.99/month · 200GB storage · includes 50GB plan features · HomeKit Secure Video for five cameras | $2.99 a month |
| iCloud+ 2TB | $9.99/month · 2TB storage · includes 200GB plan features · HomeKit Secure Video for unlimited cameras | $9.99 a month |
| iCloud+ 6TB | $29.99/month · 6TB storage · includes 2TB plan features | $29.99 a month |
| iCloud+ 12TB | $59.99/month · 12TB storage · includes 6TB plan features | $59.99 a month |
| iCloud 5GB | 5GB storage · back up and sync data across devices | Free |
As icloud.com lists them, read 20 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the iCloud Drive website at https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/.
- Use the Files app on iPhone or iPad, or Finder on Mac.
- On a PC, install or use iCloud for Windows to access files in File Explorer.
- Choose the free iCloud plan with 5 GB, or select an iCloud+ storage tier.
- For web access with Advanced Data Protection enabled, approve temporary access from a trusted device.
Verdict
iCloud Drive combines cross-device file syncing with link sharing and real-time collaboration. Consider the available storage tiers and the web-access limitation that comes with Advanced Data Protection.
Questions
Is iCloud Drive free?
Yes. The free iCloud plan costs nothing and includes 5 GB of storage for backing up and syncing data.
How much do iCloud+ plans cost?
Listed plans are $0.99 a month for 50 GB, $2.99 a month for 200 GB, $9.99 a month for 2 TB, $29.99 a month for 6 TB, and $59.99 a month for 12 TB.
Which platforms can access iCloud Drive?
It is available on iPhone and iPad through the Files app, on Mac through Finder, on PC through iCloud for Windows and File Explorer, and in a browser at iCloud.com.
Can I share files and folders?
Yes. You can share by link, choose who can access the content, and allow recipients to edit or only view and download. Collaborators’ changes appear to everyone in real time.
How does iCloud Drive handle encryption?
By default, data is encrypted in transit and on Apple’s servers, with encryption keys stored by Apple. Advanced Data Protection makes iCloud Drive end-to-end encrypted, with keys held by trusted devices.
Can I share iCloud+ with family?
An iCloud+ plan can be shared with up to five other family members at no extra cost, while each person’s files remain private and separate.
Facts from iCloud Drive's own pages
- Access
- Files are available in the Files app on iPhone and iPad, Finder on Mac, File Explorer on Windows with iCloud for Windows, and a browser at iCloud.com. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Advanced security
- With Advanced Data Protection enabled, iCloud Drive is end-to-end encrypted and its keys are held by trusted devices. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Collaboration
- Collaborators’ changes to shared files and folders appear to everyone in real time. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Deleted files
- Deleted files can be recovered from Recently Deleted for 30 days; permanently deleted files cannot be recovered. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Device platforms
- iOS,macOS,Windows · icloud.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Family sharing
- An iCloud+ plan can be shared with up to five other family members at no extra cost, while each person’s files remain private and separate. · apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- File storage and sync
- iCloud Drive stores files and folders in the cloud and keeps changes up to date across devices. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · icloud.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Security limitation
- With Advanced Data Protection enabled, web access to iCloud data is disabled unless the user re-enables it and approves temporary access from a trusted device. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Sharing
- Users can share files and folders by link, choose who can access them, and allow recipients to edit or only view and download. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Standard security
- By default, iCloud encrypts data in transit and on its servers, with iCloud Drive encryption keys stored by Apple. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Storage limit
- Files added to iCloud Drive count toward the user’s iCloud storage, and storage limits depend on the selected iCloud storage plan. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- Apple lists iCloud Drive for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC, with the PC version requiring iCloud for Windows. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Third-party apps
- Users can choose which apps have access to store and edit content in iCloud Drive. · support.apple.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Zero-knowledge encryption
- Yes · icloud.com, 20 Sept 2026
Where iCloud Drive stands on Freedom251
- Cloud storage#17 of 66
- Cloud Storage Services#18 of 64