For Apple users who frequently require access to data stored in iCloud through the web, the company has a powerful new beta version of its cloud storage service’s web client. Though use of the service certainly isn’t ubiquitous at the moment, Apple has offered a web client for iCloud services for years. The site isn’t visually appealing and is lacking in functionality, but can get the job done. It’s primarily used for Find My iPhone capabilities, which allows users to pinpoint the current location of their smartphone on any device by logging on to the iCloud web client.
Apple often tailors its features to devices within its ecosystem, and users outside that ecosystem are unable to access those features. A notable example is iMessage, Apple’s in-house messaging service only available on the company’s products. However, this ideology does not work for cloud storage services. It’s crucial to be able to access information on other platforms, like when giving a presentation at work or school on a Windows computer. In order for iCloud to really take off and compete with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, it needs a suitable web client where users can access all of their files and data.
When users log in to Apple’s iCloud web client, they will be greeted with a message at the top of the screen. “A new iCloud.com is coming soon,” the message reads. “Try it out now and let us know what you think.” Though there is surely reason to exercise caution when approaching beta versions of software — there can be bugs and other issues that are yet to be resolved — it is an effective way to get the latest features a bit earlier than everyone else. In this case, the beta iCloud web client is vastly superior to the current version, and people will actually want to use it.
Use Apple Apps In iCloud Beta
The beta iCloud web client is colorful and visually appealing, which fits in better with Apple’s design language across its other software. For this reason, it will feel strangely familiar to people who use iOS, iPadOS, or macOS. The homepage is made up of tiles that can be added, removed, and rearranged. It offers the same applications as the current web client – Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Photos, Drive, Notes, Reminders, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, and Find My. However, each of these applications have their own tiles that can show more information and provide quick actions straight from the homepage.
To try out the beta version of the iCloud web client, users can click the link at the top of their current iCloud web client. Alternatively, they can go straight to the beta version by visiting beta.iCloud.com. After users have logged on to the website, they will be met with a stock homepage. If they like the layout, no further action is required. To change things up, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click ‘Customize Homepage.’ This will open a customization page where users can add, remove, or rearrange tiles on the screen. The new version of the iCloud web client is currently in beta, but it looks to be a better way to access information when users are away from their Apple devices.
