iCloud+ Subscription Guide
iCloud+ is Apple's paid cloud storage subscription, expanding the default 5 GB of free storage. It's essential for iPhone backups, iCloud Photo Library, and document sync across devices. You can subscribe and pay entirely from your Apple Account balance — funded by an Apple Gift Card — with no bank card required.
iCloud+ Storage Plans
| Plan | Storage | Approximate Price (USD/month) |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud+ 50 GB | 50 GB | ~$0.99 |
| iCloud+ 200 GB | 200 GB | ~$2.99 |
| iCloud+ 2 TB | 2 TB | ~$9.99 |
| iCloud+ 6 TB | 6 TB | ~$29.99 |
| iCloud+ 12 TB | 12 TB | ~$59.99 |
Prices vary by region — Armenia and Kazakhstan offer significantly lower prices than the US.
What's Included Beyond Storage
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| iCloud Backup | Automatic iPhone and iPad backups |
| iCloud Drive | Cloud documents accessible across all Apple devices |
| iCloud Photos | Your entire photo library stored in the cloud |
| Private Relay | Hides your IP while browsing in Safari |
| Hide My Email | Generate anonymous email addresses for sign-ups |
| HomeKit Secure Video | Camera footage storage (available on 200 GB and above) |
| Family Sharing | Share storage with up to 5 family members |
How to Subscribe to iCloud+ Using an Apple Gift Card
Step 1: Buy and Activate a Gift Card
Purchase an Apple Gift Card for your Apple ID's region from Marix.
The gift card's region must match your Apple ID region.
Activate it on iPhone: App Store → profile icon → Redeem Gift Card or Code → enter your 16-character code.
Step 2: Subscribe to iCloud+
- Go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud.
- Tap iCloud Storage → Change Storage Plan.
- Select the plan you want.
- When prompted for payment, choose Apple Account Balance.
- Confirm the purchase.
iCloud+ Pricing by Region
| Region | 50 GB/month | 200 GB/month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Armenia (AMD) | Very low | Very low | One of the cheapest globally |
| Kazakhstan (KZT) | Very low | Low | Stable region |
| Turkey (TRY) | Very low | Low | Depends on lira exchange rate |
| Poland (PLN) | Low-moderate | Moderate | EU stability |
| USA (USD) | $0.99 | $2.99 | Standard benchmark |
Family Sharing and iCloud+
With Family Sharing enabled, your iCloud+ storage can be shared with family members (up to 5 people). This makes a 2 TB plan very cost-effective when divided among a family.
To set up: Settings → [your name] → Family Sharing → Invite People.
What Happens If You Cancel iCloud+
- Storage drops back to the free 5 GB
- Data above 5 GB is not deleted immediately — you get 30 days to download or delete
- Photo sync pauses until space is freed
- Automatic backups stop
Before canceling, make sure you've downloaded or removed any data that exceeds the free tier.
FAQ
Can I pay for iCloud+ without changing my Apple ID region?
Only if your account region accepts your payment method. If your region doesn't support the available gift cards, you'll need to switch regions or create a new account.
Will my iCloud data be affected if I change regions?
No. Changing your Apple ID region does not affect your iCloud content.
Does iCloud+ renew automatically?
Yes. If your Apple Account has sufficient balance, it charges automatically on the renewal date. Without a balance or card, the subscription pauses.
What are the 6 TB and 12 TB plans for?
These plans, introduced in 2024, are designed for professionals with large ProRes photo and video libraries. For most users, 200 GB or 2 TB is more than sufficient.
Does iCloud Private Relay work like a VPN?
Private Relay is a privacy feature specific to Safari — it hides your IP address while browsing. It is not a full VPN and doesn't route all device traffic.