iCloud to amplify files management with THIS feature in iOS 18, macOS Sequoia

With on iOS 18, users in Files app can tap and hold a file, and tap the new “Keep Downloaded” available in the pop-up menu
An undated, representational image of iCloud. — Unsplash
An undated, representational image of iCloud. — Unsplash

For the past few years, Apple has been undertaking countless measures for the betterment of Apple devices' user experience. To keep with the tradition it initiated, the iPhone maker has incorporated so much into the latest iOS update, the iOS 18. 

Out of the key areas it's pointed to improve in Apple devices, the iOS 18 would improve the management of files and folders on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to ensure that you have sufficient on-device storage at any given time. 

iCloud already serves as a versatile tool when it comes to keeping your data well-organised. However, probably the only frustrating thing with the cloud storage service is that it doesn't let you mark the files and folders you wish to keep on your device and not onto iCloud. 

Read more: Best iOS 18 features coming to AirPods Pro

Fortunately, the upcoming iOS and macOS updates, iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia are going to bring a “Keep Downloaded” option which would stop your specific files (those you want) from being uploaded to iCloud and remain on the device.

This privilege has long been relished by PC users as iCloud on PCs already allows them to keep files downloaded. But Mac users fell among the unfortunate ones since macOS Sonama and earlier updates regularly upload data to iCloud, obliging users to redownload files in order to access them.

New iCloud feature on iOS 18

When using the Files app in iOS 18 to overview iCloud Drive, users can tap and hold a file, and tap the new “Keep Downloaded” available in the pop-up menu to make a file stay on the device and not be uploaded to iCloud.

New iCloud feature on macOS Sequoia

To do the same on macOS Sequoia, the Keep Downloaded option appears after a user control-clicks a file in the iCloud folder. When this option is selected in both the iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, the iCloud icon turns solid grey, and the file remains in the iCloud folder.