Apple has released a redesigned iCloud app for Windows to provide a better onboarding and content syncing experience for iPhone or iPad users who don't own a Mac.
New apps available for Windows 10 and 11 come with a new setup experience to make onboarding easier. It also features sync status indicators for various services to better indicate the number of downloaded or uploaded items.
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You can also sign in to your Apple ID using a physical security key. Additionally, the updated app reduces the frequency of sign-in prompts, improves photo syncing performance with Microsoft Photos, and provides easy shortcuts to access other Apple services.
Last September, Apple redesigned iCloud.com and added features such as browser notifications for email and calendars on your PC, a customizable home page for quick actions, and a slideshow view for photos.
Apple first announced separate apps for iCloud, Apple TV, and Apple Music for the Windows platform in 2022. Ultimately, it introduced several apps in preview last year, including Apple Music and Apple TV, with the aim of replacing iTunes. These apps are currently out of preview and available as standalone experiences on Windows. Additionally, there is a device app for device management, so users don't need to access iTunes to do so. The iTunes app still exists on the platform, but it's primarily for users to access podcasts and audiobooks.