At the same time as releasing iOS 9 to the masses, Apple has updated its iCloud storage plans, generally offering better value for money to help compete with similar cloud-based services like Google Drive and Microsoft’s OneDrive.
The default iCloud plan remains unchanged – 5 gigabytes (GB) of storage, completely free. For those that need a little boost in order to store more photos, videos and documents, the entry-level $0.99/month tier now offers 50GB instead of 20GB. That’s ten times more storage than the free bracket for under a dollar a month, and may be a tempting cloud storage option for those with 16GB iPhones.
The mid-range 200GB and top-tier 1 terabyte (TB) options have been made cheaper, at $2.99/month and $9.99/month respectively. Meanwhile, to simplify things Apple has ditched the 500GB plan completely – users previously subscribed that that tier will be automatically upgraded to the 1TB plan, despite the extra cost. Alternatively they can opt to downgrade to the cheaper 200GB.
Annual plans are no longer available for new subscribers, although legacy customers already paying annually will get to keep their subscriptions.
In addition to the pricing restructure, Apple has also launched a new iCloud Drive app with iOS 9 which should make it a lot easier to access documents through an iPhone or iPad.
If you’re outside the U.S. you can view the new pricing in your region on Apple’s website.