Google recently announced that it was getting rid of the legacy free tier for Google Apps/Workspace accounts, something I've used for 10+ years. Later, Google said I have the option of transferring to a free account, but that I would lose some features doing so. Now, though, there’s going to be an option to just keep using the service that’s open to people who aren’t using it for business purposes. For me, the take a way is, it's time to say goodbye, and switch my family to iCloud+, I already pay for anyway.
Google Workspace
Google Workspace , is a set of productivity and collaboration tools developed by Google. It includes a range of tools and services such as Gmail, Calendar, Google Drive, Google Docs, and more. These tools are designed to primary help businesses and organizations communicate, collaborate, and manage their work. Workspace can be accessed through a web browser or through mobile apps, and it is available as a subscription service.
Apple iCloud+
Apple iCloud+ is a subscription service offered by Apple that provides additional features for iCloud, the company's free cloud storage and syncing service with 5GB storage. With iCloud+, users can access features such as iCloud Private Relay, which provides a secure, private way to browse the web and use apps without having your online activity tracked; Hide My Email: Create unique, random email addresses that forward email to your personal inbox, so you can receive email without having to share your personal email address. Custom Email Domain: Personalize your iCloud Mail with your own email domain. You can invite friends and family to use the same domain with their iCloud Mail accounts. Family Sharing: Share an iCloud+ plan with up to five family members. Shared Photo Library: Share the photos and videos you want with your family members. You get additional storage from 50GB up to 2TB depending on the plan you choose.
How do I switch from Google Workspace to Apple iCloud+
If you are currently using Google Workspace (formerly known as G Suite) and you want to switch to iCloud+, you will need to follow these steps:
- Determine which features you want to use: iCloud+ includes several different features, such as iCloud Drive, Calendar, Custom Email Domain or Shared Photo Library. Determine which features you want to use, and consider how they will fit into your current workflow.
- Purchase a subscription: iCloud+ is available as an add-on to iCloud, and can be purchased through the iCloud app on your Apple device or through the iCloud website. Determine how much storage you need a get the appropriate plan, starting at 99 ct per month.
- Set it up on your Apple devices: You will need to set up iCloud on your Apple devices in order to access these features. To set up iCloud, go to the iCloud settings on your device and follow the prompts to sign in to your iCloud account and enable the features you want to use.
- Migrate your data: If you are using Google Workspace for email, calendar, or other services, you will need to migrate your data to iCloud. This can be a complex process, especially if you are using a large amount of data. It is typically done by exporting your data and importing it into iCloud. You may also be able to use tools such as Google Takeout .
- Set up iCloud Mail: If you are using iCloud Mail, you will need to set it up as your default email provider. This can typically be done by configuring your email client to connect to iCloud Mail using the appropriate server settings.
- Update your settings and preferences: After you have migrated your data and set up iCloud Mail, you will need to update your settings and preferences to reflect the switch to iCloud+. This may include updating your email signature, setting up any additional iCloud+ features you are using, and configuring your device to use iCloud as the default cloud storage provider.
It is worth noting that switching from Google Workspace to iCloud+ can be a complex process, especially if you are using a large amount of data or have a lot of custom configurations in place.
