Take advantage of the latest iCloud features, use the latest software

Oct 26, 2013 11:27 GMT  ·  By

Apple has posted a Support document detailing the “recommended” system requirements for iCloud, in order to take advantage of the newest features introduced this fall.

The Cupertino giant explains that “Meeting the recommended system requirements lets you take advantage of the latest iCloud features and gives you the best overall iCloud experience.”

Users are told that iCloud will always require an Internet connection, either Wi-Fi or cellular, and that some features will only work on Wi-Fi.

The requirement for an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is iOS 7.0.3, and if you use iWork apps, Pages 2.0, Numbers 2.0, and Keynote 2.0 are required for iCloud integration.

For various iCloud-related activities on a Mac, the recommended configuration is: OS X Mavericks v10.9; iTunes 11 or later; iPhoto ’11 version 9.5 or Aperture 3.5; Safari 6 or later, Firefox 22 or later, or Google Chrome 28 or later; iWork for Mac (Pages 5.0, Numbers 3.0, Keynote 6.0).

Windows users need to have the iCloud Control Panel installed (version 3.0 or newer), Windows 7 or Windows 8, iTunes 11, Outlook 2007 or later, Internet Explorer 9 or later, Firefox 22 or later, or Google Chrome 28 or later (desktop mode only).

For Apple TV users, simply updating the set-top box to version 5.3 will be enough to take advantage of all the iCloud features available today.

The documentation also includes the minimum system requirements, which allow you to employ iCloud’s basic set of features, such as iTunes Match, Photo Stream, Documents in the Cloud, Contact syncing, Find My iPhone, and others.

As usual, Apple points out that some features are not available in all countries, and that access to some services is limited to a strict number of devices.

A table is made available showing which features are available on which system configurations.

iCloud is a free service for all Apple ID holders with a 5GB storage plan. Additional storage plans can be purchased for an annual fee.