Apple iCloud storage to be downgraded to 5GB from 30 September

Apple iCloud storage to be downgraded to 5GB from 30 September

If you’re an Apple iCloud subscriber you’ll need to check that your storage capacity hasn’t exceeded 5GB. As of 30 September, the cloud storage service will be limited to 5GB unless users upgrade.www.eraofyouth.com

An email has been sent to subscribers informing them of the plan to downgrade from the 20GB of complimentary storage that was previously available to customers who made the move from a MobileMe account to iCloud. Apple had always said that the capacity would be reduced, but 30 September has now been named as D-day.

iCloud enables Apple users to back up and store emails and documents, though Apple has begun using it as a synching tool rather than permanent storage space, meaning less memory should be needed.

Those wanting more storage will need to pay to prevent the downgrade taking place. Otherwise users are being advised to delete items they don’t use or to prevent them from automatically backing up. This can be done through the settings menu on any iOS device.

If you’re already under the 5GB capacity then simply sit tight. If you’re over that amount you will be alerted by Apple before having your account frozen, though this won’t delete any of your documents.

When Apple made the transition from MobileMe to iCloud for its cloud storage solution, it made the offer for loyal users to receive a temporary 20GB boost in storage space. That extra space is now expiring as of this Friday.

On Sept. 30, Apple will downgrade those accounts to the basic 5GB iCloud allotment. Users who made use of the extra space will not lose any data, but they will also not be able to add any until they delete data from their iCloud account to under 5GB.

This includes backing up iOS devices and even receiving new emails, if those iCloud features were being used.

Of course, users can also opt to purchase more storage space on their iCloud account if needed, but the days of an extra 20GB for free is coming to an end.

The evaporating iCloud

Not all iCloud users will notice the change, only those who received an additional 20GB when transitioning their MobileMe account to an iCloud account will be effected.

Even among those users, only those who used more than 5GB of cloud storage will have to make a change in their storage habits.