5 iCloud Features OneDrive Needs to Replicate

Although iCloud is known for its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, there's plenty to admire outside the walled garden too. On the other hand, OneDrive has its own strengths, but there are key areas where Microsoft could seriously up its game by taking inspiration from iCloud. This article examines five iCloud features that OneDrive could adopt to improve its user experience and value.

From blazingly fast upload and download speeds and a truly unified web interface to privacy-focused features like Private Relay and Hide My Email, here's how OneDrive can close the gap and become a truly competitive cloud storage solution.

5 Better download speeds

While download speeds are affected by factors such as internet connection, location, and server load, in my experience, iCloud appears to consistently deliver faster download speeds compared to OneDrive. I tried uploading a 2GB file to both iCloud and OneDrive and the former did the job much faster.

Such a difference in speed can make a big difference when you work with large files in your workflow. Microsoft should certainly work on better download and upload speeds worldwide.

4 A centralized web view

Both iCloud and OneDrive have undergone major redesigns on the web. However, Apple has done a much better job here. It uses various widgets from its productivity apps like Mail, Reminders, Notes, Photos, Hide Email, and more. These are customizable and you can create a truly personalized home elevation in no time.

The OneDrive start menu only shows a list of recently used files and OneNote notebooks. You can't access your Outlook emails, Microsoft To-Do tasks, and certain notes. iCloud also allows you to use a custom background as wallpaper to express your creativity. The software giant can certainly get some pointers here.

3 Private iCloud Relay

iCloud Private Relay is a privacy-focused feature for iCloud+ subscribers. This feature protects your Safari browsing activity from being monitored by third parties, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and even Apple. This is achieved by encrypting all internet traffic and routing it through two different internet relays.

Microsoft could implement a similar feature for Microsoft 365 users, calling it “Edge Private Browsing,” for example, partnering with a third-party to power the secondary relay, and integrating it directly into the Edge browser. Like iCloud+, Microsoft can bundle it with a paid OneDrive plan to encourage users to upgrade and thus unlock a higher revenue stream.

2 Hide my email

This is probably my favorite iCloud+ feature that OneDrive has to steal outright. As the name suggests, it allows you to generate unique, random email addresses when you sign up for websites, newsletters, or online services. You can avoid sharing your primary email ID and keep your main inbox spam-free.

You have the flexibility to forward emails from these addresses to your primary inbox. You can deactivate it at any time and prevent any further communication. Microsoft may integrate the feature into Outlook.com and other business services, making it easier to use aliases when signing up for accounts or filling out online forms.

The Windows manufacturer can even integrate it into the default password manager in the Edge browser. This feature meets users' growing demand for online privacy and could be a valuable addition to the OneDrive security suite.

iCloud Photos offers a smarter, more dynamic, and more integrated photo management experience compared to the OneDrive-based Microsoft Photos on Windows. The Photos app automatically creates albums and memories based on events, places, and people, providing a more dynamic and engaging way to revisit your photos.

It has handy Apple Intelligence integration and far better object and scene recognition. While OneDrive offers basic photo storage and organization, iCloud Photos leverages Apple's strengths in AI and ecosystem integration to provide a richer, more enjoyable way to interact with your photo library.

Microsoft can easily integrate Copilot into the Photos app. The company recently unveiled the redesigned OneDrive mobile apps with a focus on the media library. However, we haven't seen it in action yet.

Unlock the full potential of OneDrive

Microsoft has already hit the jackpot with perfect integration into existing Office services. Now imagine a OneDrive with blazing-fast download speeds, flexible plans, and privacy benefits that give users more control over their data. Add to that improved media management, and you get a cloud storage service that can truly compete with the best. If OneDrive isn't your thing, explore the top alternatives in our separate guide.