iCloud is the general term for Apple's cloud services, which is used to synchronize data between devices such as photos, contacts, etc., and iCloud Drive is an internal file storage function module. 1. iCloud is a cloud service provided by Apple, used to synchronize various data such as photos, memos, contacts, etc. without the user's active operation; 2. iCloud Drive is a specific function in iCloud, similar to a network disk, allowing upload, download and manage documents, PDFs and other files, and supports cross-device access and editing; 3. When using it, make sure that all devices are logged in to the same Apple ID and enable the synchronization function of the corresponding application in the settings. Mac users can directly drag and drop files to iCloud Drive, while iPhone users operate through the "File" App; 4. By default, 5GB of free storage space is provided. If you use iCloud Drive to store a large number of files or enable original image backup and other functions, you may need to purchase more storage space subscription services.

Apple users often confuse iCloud and iCloud Drive, which are actually two related but different features.

Simply put, iCloud is a complete cloud service ecosystem that synchronizes information between your devices. iCloud Drive is a specific functional module in this system , more like the "network disk" or "folder storage" you are familiar with.

1. What is iCloud? What does it do?

iCloud is the general term for cloud services provided by Apple. Its function is not only to store files, but to help you keep various data synchronized between different devices.

• For example: the photos you take on your iPhone will automatically appear on your iPad or Mac
• Your memos, contacts, calendars, keychain, health data, etc. will be synchronized
• It is more like a "backend assistant", working silently, and you don't need to click on it on your own initiative

You can see which apps and services are using iCloud in the settings, such as "photos", "memos", "reminders", etc.

2. What is iCloud Drive? What is the difference between iCloud?

iCloud Drive is like a "file manager" in iCloud, which you can understand as Apple's version of OneDrive or Google Drive.

• It allows you to upload, download, and organize various files (documents, PDFs, pictures, etc.)
• On a Mac it is like a normal folder on the desktop; on an iPhone there are also special "File" apps to access
• If you want to transfer documents, forms, or packages between devices, iCloud Drive comes in handy

For example:

You have written a Word document on your Mac, saved it to iCloud Drive, and then open the "File" app on your iPad, and you can directly find and continue editing.

3. How to use these two functions correctly?

Using iCloud and iCloud Drive is actually very simple, just pay attention to a few key points:

• Make sure all devices are logged in to the same Apple ID
• Open the apps you need to sync in settings (such as "Photo", "Memo", etc.)
• If you want to save files using iCloud Drive:
  • Mac users can drag and drop files directly into
  • iPhone users can upload or create new folders using the "File" app
• It may take some time to synchronize between different devices, so don’t rush to unplug the power supply?

4. Do you need to purchase additional storage space?

By default, each Apple ID has 5GB of free iCloud storage space , which is shared by all iCloud data.

• If you only use iCloud to synchronize small data such as contacts and memos, it is basically enough
• But if you plan to save a lot of files with iCloud Drive, or enable the original image backup of "iCloud Photos", you may need to upgrade your paid plan

Apple offers a variety of subscription solutions, starting at 50GB, with prices increasing every year.

Basically that's it. iCloud and iCloud Drive perform their own duties, and they can make your work and life more convenient. As long as you know which one is used to synchronize data and which one is used to store files, you won't be confused anymore.

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