Apple Launches iCloud Beta, Available Only For Developers

Apple officially announced the iCloud at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), back in early June this year. The Cupertino-based company was supposed to release the cloud-based sharing service to users from the USA and then to the rest of the world by 2012. Apple has launched the beta version of iCloud on the 1st of August, 2011, and has also announced pricing for the different schemes available.

iCloud available only for developers, as of now

According to a report by MacRumours, Apple had allowed access to more users than developers for availing this service. However, Apple has now restricted entry to only those with an Apple Developer ID. The report goes on to suggest that the interface of iCloud is highly influenced by iOS and Mac OS X Lion. iCloud users will get 5GB of free storage, while $20 per year will be charged for an additional storage plan of 10GB, 20GB will cost $40 per year and $100 per year will be charged for an additional 50GB.

Purchased apps, music, books, as well as a Photo Stream will not be counted in the free 5GB. Apple should roll out iCloud to all users alongside iOS 5. However, Mac OS X Lion will have to be updated in order to support iCloud.