Malcolm Owen
Apple has released a new iCloud for Windows app that makes iCloud function closer to Microsoft's OneDrive cloud storage service in Windows 10, with the app now available to download from the Microsoft Store.
Windows users who have an allocation of iCloud storage have been able to access it from their PC using iCloud for Windows, normally available as a download from Apple's support pages. An announcement on Microsoft's Windows Blog reveals it is possible to download the same app via the Microsoft Store, as a free download.
The Microsoft Store version of the app provides the same functionality as the original iCloud for Windows, except there is a new "iCloud Drive experience" that uses the same technology as OneDrive's Files On-Demand feature, which allows users to temporarily download and use files from their iCloud Drive for viewing and editing, without needing to save them to offline storage.
As before, users can access the iCloud Drive from File Explorer, share files from File Explorer with others, and to store files in the drive to access on iOC and macOS devices, along with iCloud.com
The iCloud for Windows app is available to download now in the Microsoft Store for users of Windows 10 at no charge. Users of earlier Windows releases can still download and use the previous method of acquiring the software.
This is not the first app Apple has released to the Microsoft Store. In April 2018, Apple released iTunes for Windows 10 via the store, enabling it to function on Windows 10 S devices that cannot install apps from sources other than the official Microsoft Store.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
4 Comments
Sounds like a forerunner of an improved iCloud experience for Mac users. I’ve found iCloud very helpful now that the Files app/iCloud Drive work so well, but there’s clearly room for improvement.
And with this update, the ancient ‘Apple Software Update’ app is finally put to rest. The last time that thing looked native was on Windows XP.
Does not let you install on Windows 10 (1809) - looks like you need the new 1903 update which my Surface Go isn't showing up in Software Updates. Unless this 1903 update is only for "insider program". Either way iCloud app will not work on my latest device :( :(