Prices for Apple’s iCloud storage on iPhones, iPads etc. are going to increase for Indian users. The government’s GST bill requires Apple to revise prices of iCloud storage, adding a 18% surcharge on them. The new prices will be effective from August 21, with the 50GB storage plan being priced at Rs. 75 per month, up from Rs. 65 earlier. Further, the 200GB storage plan will now be priced at Rs. 220 per month (against Rs. 190 earlier), while the 2TB storage plan will cost you Rs. 750 per month.
Apple also gives users 5GB of free storage space with its devices, which is often sufficient for users in India. The company sent out an email to paying iCloud users, informing them of the change. Interestingly, Apple’s email says the new tax is on “electronic services”, which makes one wonder whether the prices of Apple Music will be hiked next. Apple’s Music service is currently available to users for Rs. 120 and Rs. 190 per month, for the individual and family plans, respectively.
Apple's email to paying iCloud customers.
The paid tiers of iCloud don’t seem to have been updated on the company’s website or even devices just yet. Apple’s email does say that users will automatically be charged more from the next renewal cycle. So, it’s likely that Apple will be updating its pages before that.