Apple raises iCloud+ pricing in many countries
Apple Ups the Ante on iCloud+ Pricing in UK and Some Global Markets
Apple has raised the curtains on increased pricing for iCloud storage in the United Kingdom and some other geaographical areas with reports indicating that this could possibly be a reflection on changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Price Surge by 25% Noted in UK and More
UK Apple customers are now paying roughly 25% more for monthly iCloud storage. The price surge doesn’t stop at the UK, similar inclines were also reflected in a few other markets globally. Interestingly, iCloud pricing within the United States remains unaltered.
Apple’s altered tariff list now shows that for the 50GB iCloud+ plan, users in the UK would have to shell out £0.99, as opposed to the earlier £0.79, marking a ~25% increase. Similarly, the 200GB plan now demands £2.99 instead of £2.49 while those opting for the 2TB plan would have to pay £8.99 now instead of the former £6.99.
Apple has rejigged pricing similarly in several countries including their markets in Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Tanzania, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
iCloud Pricing Remains Unchanged in Certain Regions
While these changes create a dent in consumer wallets around several global territories like Columbia and South Africa among others, it’s interesting that Apple has decided to hold off on price changes with regard to its key markets – The US and Canada. No changes were observed in their Asian market based out of India either.
For instance, South Africa now sees higher subscription rates with consumers expected to pay R14.99 for a 50GB plan as compared to the previous pricing structure, it marks a significant hike. While Columbia observes a reshuffle where users are now expected to part ways with COP$3,900 per month for availing of their 50GB plan.
iCloud Storage vs Apple One Bundle Pricing – A Comparison
Keeping an eye on Apple’s services portfolio; it isn’t just iCloud which is demanding consumers’ attention but also their all-in-oneApple One bundle which includes services like Apple Music and TV+ along with the much talked about iCloud storage.
Last fall was when these service offerings from within its suite were made more expensive globally however at this point there are no notable changes with respect to prices with Apple One; only iCloud pricing seems affected so far.
iCloud storage forms part of Apple’s comprehensive offering and comes embedded into Apple One bundles but current changes seem narrowly focussed narrowly on affecting only individual subscriptions pertaining primarily to iCloud+++.
Looking Underneath the Hood with iCould+
Deeper insights reveal that beyond just being a cloud-based repository for images, files or documents and providing ample storage quotas; there’s more it brings to table adds value to users opting for iCloud+. Additional features including Private Relay coupled with HomeKit Secure Video access form key components of what is bundled within various tiers under this offering.
The high capacity 2TB plans do see steep increase globally like setting back consumers by R$49.90 every month as Brazil mirrors these global trends while Peru appears unique allowing expanded rates solely over its highest tier plan only: their local currency records it as S/.34.90 henceforth.
Seemingly backtracking over history; Apple saw inception of its quintessential archival solution -iCloud way back in 2011and hasn’t looked back since then when it offered base free storage of upto 5GB per ID then and continues similarly even today despite having introduced three separate paid subscription tiers subsequently.
The three current subscription tiers on offer viz., 50 GB, 200 GB and top-end at 2 TB which uniquely differentiates itself by also allowing sharing across five family members although cumulatively calculated.
Absence of Official word from Apple
Despite such sea-changes being witnessed by loyalist consumer markets globally; no official announcement highlighting such an extensive revamp was yet noticed from Cupertino marking these large scale price revisions. Observers attribute this change as routine given that price updates usually relate closely following taxation ratification locally or influenced by fluctuations impacted via foreign exchange rate determinations.
Large scale theories hover around recently introduced paid subscription model called iCloud+, brought forward during last year (2021). Digital experts expect this update especially raises intrigue considering added enhancements like Hide My Email & specially catered custom email domains apart from iCloud Private Relay support clubbed together seamlessly alongwith support for HomeKit Secure Video thrown into this mix indicates why these inflationary pressures prevail predominantly affecting overall cost structures significantly.