One of the key features Apple left out of iOS 11 is finally entering the beta testing phase among developers.
Apple added iCloud support for Messages to iOS 11.3 beta 1 today, which should be a huge help in saving space on most iPhones once it finally launches for the public.
Messages on iCloud were first previewed at WWDC 2017. Apple pulled it from later beta builds though as it wasn’t ready for wider use. It was unclear when it would make a comeback after it was left out of iOS 11.1 and iOS 11.2.
Even though iMessages on iCloud may not sound as exciting as other new iOS 11.3 features like new Animoji and business chat, it comes with some huge benefits for iPhone owners.
Once iMessage on iCloud rolls out to the public you’ll be able to delete iMessage conversations to save space on your device. Conversations will still be accessible on your other Apple devices though and on the web so you can still preserve your old communications with people.
The feature is optional so you can still go with old school Message syncing if that’s your preference. Apple says iOS 11.3 will launch to the public this spring.
Buster Hein is a freelance writer who lives in Phoenix, Arizona. Twitter: @bst3r.
5 responses to “Messages on iCloud is almost ready — and you’re going to love it”
Finally some telegram competition!
Maybe I’m wrong but isn’t that how Messages already works? I delete a thread on my phone and it stays on my Mac or iPad? I thought Messages in the Cloud would allow users to sync deletions across devices. Obviously I am missing something here.
It currently doesn’t sync across devices but will after this update.
How about local backups? Or turning off cloud syncing entirely? Maybe I don’t want my stuff databased and used against me, like every single platform does these days.
“Conversations will still be accessible on your other Apple devices though and on the web so you can still preserve your old communications with people.“
Huh? Isn’t the whole point that when you delete on one device then it syncs to all devices?