Apple Introduces iCloud

On 06/06/2011, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced iCloud during the keynote address at the Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. The service was presented as a cloud based system designed to automatically store and wirelessly sync content across iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and PC. Apple described iCloud as replacing its existing MobileMe service, which Jobs acknowledged had not met expectations. The new platform aimed to simplify synchronization of contacts, calendars, photos, apps, and documents without requiring manual transfers. Apple demonstrated features including automatic backup, Photo Stream for syncing recent photos across devices, and document storage for compatible apps. iCloud also introduced iTunes in the Cloud, allowing users to re download purchased music across devices. Apple announced that the service would include 5 GB of free storage for mail, documents, and backups, excluding content purchased from Apple services. The company said iCloud would be integrated into iOS 5 and macOS Lion updates later in 2011. Jobs described iCloud as shifting the digital hub from the personal computer to cloud services. Apple confirmed that MobileMe would be discontinued and transitioned to iCloud. The announcement formed a major part of the WWDC 2011 keynote, alongside previews of iOS 5 and macOS Lion, with iCloud scheduled for release later that year.