iCloud storage on iOS 26

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Level 1

10 points

iCloud storage on iOS 26

Since updating to iOS 26 on my iPhone 13 Pro I've noticed the size of my backup grows very quickly. I only have the 5 GB iCloud storage and it is about to max out again.

I haven't changed any of the settings relating to apps being backup since before the iOS 26 update.

I'm running iOS 26.1 now and I deleted my previous iCloud back up. When I resumed backups it saved 3.5 GB to iCloud. Now 3 days later it's showing 4.99 GB saved. I'm not backing up photos or messages. What is iOS 26.1 doing that older iOS releases wasn't doing?

Is Apple doing something different to force the consumer to purchase additional iCloud storage?

iPhone 13 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 12, 2025 7:24 PM

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Answer 1

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

59,210 points

Nov 12, 2025 7:53 PM in response to lawrencej

You should see exactly what is being backed up and how much storage for each app. Turn off an app you don't need in your backup. Check the Files app there, so see if you are storing files on your phone that you are not aware of.

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Answer 2

TheLittles

Level 10

202,805 points

Nov 12, 2025 8:19 PM in response to lawrencej

"iCloud storage on iOS 26: Since updating to iOS 26 on my iPhone 13 Pro I've noticed the size of my backup grows very quickly. I only have the 5 GB iCloud storage and it is about to max out again. [...]Is Apple doing something different to force the consumer to purchase additional iCloud storage?"

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No. Apple would never do that; and, if you received such a ransom-sounding message (call, email, or text), then it'd undoubtedly be a scam.

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