Apple Raises iCloud+ Prices in 8 Countries, Including India

Apple has quietly raised the price of its iCloud+ storage subscriptions in eight countries, including India, marking the latest in a series of service price hikes from the tech giant. The move, first reported by AppleInsider, affects customers in several markets globally.

The new pricing takes effect immediately for new subscribers, while existing users will see the increase on their next billing cycle. Apple has not officially commented on the specific reasons for the price adjustment in these regions.

Which Countries Are Affected?

While Apple has not released a full list, reports confirm that India is among the eight countries where iCloud+ prices have gone up. Other affected markets include parts of Europe and Asia, though the exact breakdown remains unclear.

In India, the price hike is notable. The 50GB iCloud+ plan has increased from Rs 75 to Rs 99 per month, while the 200GB plan has risen from Rs 219 to Rs 299. The 2TB plan has jumped from Rs 749 to Rs 899. These changes represent an increase of roughly 20-30% across the board.

Broader Trend of Service Price Hikes

This iCloud+ price increase comes on the heels of similar adjustments to Apple Music. Earlier this month, Apple raised the subscription cost for its music streaming service, citing 'rising licensing costs' in a statement to Music Business Worldwide. The Verge and 9to5Mac also reported on the Apple Music hike, which saw individual plans go up by about $1 per month in many regions.

These moves suggest a broader strategy by Apple to increase revenue from its services division. The company has been pushing subscription offerings like iCloud+, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade as key growth drivers, particularly as iPhone sales have plateaued in mature markets.

What This Means for Users

For Indian users, the iCloud+ price hike adds to the growing cost of using Apple's ecosystem. Many rely on iCloud for backing up photos, documents, and device settings. The 50GB tier is the most popular entry point, and its price increase may push some users to reconsider their storage needs or explore third-party alternatives like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Existing subscribers will receive an email notification about the change before their next billing date. Apple typically gives users a 30-day notice before implementing price increases, though this can vary by region.

Looking Ahead

With Apple Music and iCloud+ both seeing price hikes in quick succession, users should expect further adjustments to other services in the coming months. Apple has not ruled out similar increases for Apple TV+ or Apple Arcade, though no official announcements have been made. For now, affected customers will have to decide whether to absorb the extra cost or cut back on storage tiers.