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for safe backups of contacts, photos, messages, etc is a no brainer for me
Is it backup? Or is it just replication for convenience of access across your devices?
I'm not sure it is backup. Same for Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, etc.
Backup is immune from replication... i.e. accidental deletes replicate, infected files replicate... yes it may have version control or a recycle bin, but if you didn't notice the problem quickly you do lose the original files.
I think these cloud storage solutions are fantastic for convenience, and offer some safety over fat fingered deletes... but please don't consider them backup. Always have an external drive for that, which is disconnected most of the time.
Velocio-
Yes, very valid point. Tbh I don't even know if I can access a hard copy of images stored in iCloud?
edit: pretty straight forward
On your Mac Open the Photos app. Choose Photos > Preferences. Select
iCloud, then click Download Originals to this Mac.https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT209454
Thing is though that should ideally be done weekly or monthly to make sure you don't lose too much in case it all goes to shit. And with Apples sketchy start with iCloud it might be a good idea to back stuff up elsewhere
kboy
Haven't used the family plan but 2.50 a month for safe backups of contacts, photos, messages, etc is a no brainer for me