Apple’s iCloud web apps have received an update, bringing them in line with the features available on iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma. This update allows users to access their personal data on Macs or PCs without having to sign in at a system level, making it a convenient option for those who prefer using their devices on a web browser.
In the past, iCloud on the web functioned as a virtual home screen of apps. However, last fall, Apple gave it a major design overhaul, transforming it into a web-specific design based on customizable tiles. This latest update expands on that approach while incorporating the latest features from iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma.
The new iCloud web apps come with several notable improvements. Users can now customize what they see in tiles, choosing specific folders for Notes, mailboxes for Mail, or displaying only their favorite Photos, among other options. Additionally, the homepage can be configured to show multiple layouts of the same tile, allowing users to access more content from their favorite apps.
Quick actions from tiles have also been introduced in this update. Users can now mark reminders as complete, flag emails, or preview files in iCloud Drive directly from the tiles. These actions can be performed by hovering over the content and selecting the appropriate option. On touch devices, a simple swipe to the left will reveal quick actions.
Another new feature is browser notifications. Users can now receive browser notifications on their PCs for new emails and event invitations and updates in Mail and Calendar. The configuration for these notifications can be found in the iCloud Settings on the web.
In terms of design, Apple has introduced a fresh look and updated layouts across Calendar, Contacts, Reminders, Drive, and more. The aim is to provide a more visually appealing and user-friendly experience for iCloud web users.
Furthermore, specific improvements have been made to individual apps within iCloud. For example, in iCloud Mail, users can now attach photos and files directly from iCloud when composing email messages. The undo send feature allows users to retract an email before it reaches the recipient’s inbox.
In iCloud Calendar, users have greater control over their calendar identity. They can choose the email address that others see in event invitations and even use a custom email domain to unify their Calendar and Mail identities. All of this can be managed in the iCloud Calendar settings.
iCloud Drive now offers a list view option, allowing users to switch between viewing their files as icons or in a list format. Users can also preview files by pressing the space bar after selecting them, and quick actions such as renaming a file or downloading a copy can be easily accessed through the options menu.
In iCloud Photos, users can now view their Memories and play them in a full-screen view by clicking on the memory. Slideshows can also be created by selecting the Play Slideshow option from the menu in the upper right corner.
The Notes app in iCloud has received enhancements as well. Users can now create linked notes by typing “>>” or using the Command + K shortcut. This makes it easier to add links while writing in a note. Additionally, collaboration is now possible on entire folders of notes through the shared folders feature. Searching for notes has also become more efficient with the introduction of suggested search, which allows users to refine their search against categories like shared notes, checklists, tags, and more.
Lastly, the Reminders app in iCloud now offers more customization options. Users can add dates, locations, flags, and more using the edit details button, allowing them to personalize their reminders to suit their needs.
Overall, Apple’s update to iCloud on the web brings a host of new features and improvements to enhance the user experience. Whether accessing personal data on a Mac, PC, or web browser, users can now enjoy the same feature compatibility as the iPhone, iPad, and Mac versions of iCloud.