The photos you keep on your iPhone or iPad can quickly consume storage space, especially with limited device capacity and a large photo library.
To manage this, Apple offers a feature called Optimize Storage for iCloud Photos. This feature helps free up space by replacing full-resolution photos on your device with smaller, device-sized versions while keeping the original high-resolution images in iCloud. Here’s how to use this feature:
Optimize Storage on Your iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings:
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Select Photos:
- Scroll down and tap on Photos.
- Enable iCloud Photos:
- Make sure iCloud Photos is toggled on.
- Optimize Storage:
- Tap Optimize iPhone/iPad Storage.
Once enabled, your device will automatically replace full-resolution photos with smaller versions, freeing up storage space.
iCloud Storage Plans
Apple offers various iCloud storage plans, which include:
- 50 GB Plan: $0.99 per month
- 200 GB Plan: $2.99 per month
- 2 TB Plan: $9.99 per month
- 6 TB Plan: $29.99 per month
- 12 TB Plan: $59.99 per month
Each plan comes with additional features like iCloud Private Relay, Hide My Email, custom email domains, and varying levels of HomeKit Secure Video support. Investing in a higher storage tier can be worthwhile if you have a substantial photo collection.
Using Optimize Storage in conjunction with an appropriate iCloud plan helps manage storage efficiently while keeping your photos safe and accessible.
