iCloud Drive
Also known as: iCloud Drive, Files app iCloud, iCloud documents
iCloud Drive is Apple’s file-storage and syncing service, accessed through the Files app, that keeps documents and folders available across your devices. Files stored there count against your iCloud storage, and can be kept local or downloaded on demand.
- Lives in the Files app under iCloud Drive
- Counts against your iCloud storage
- Files can be cloud-only or kept offline
How it stores files
iCloud Drive holds documents, downloads, and app folders, all reachable in the Files app under iCloud Drive. Apps like Pages, Numbers, and many third-party apps save here so their files follow you between iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Everything in iCloud Drive counts toward your iCloud storage, the same quota used by iCloud Photos and backups. A few large files or app folders can take up a surprising share of it.
Local vs on-demand copies
Files can sit in the cloud and download only when you open them — shown with a small cloud icon in the Files app — or be kept downloaded for offline use. Removing the downloaded copy frees device space while the file stays safe in iCloud.