Apple says you must be using OS X 10.10.3 or later on a Mac, and iOS 8.3 on an iOS device.
I’ve compiled a list of those missing questions, along with answers based on my own testing and research, and the experiences of others on the TidBITS staff and Jason Snell, who’s writing “ Photos for Mac: A Take Control Crash Course.” If this FAQ doesn’t answer your question - or if my answers don’t match what you’re seeing - please let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to update the article accordingly.Īnswer: iCloud Photo Library is an iCloud feature that, when enabled on any given Mac or iOS device, syncs the entire contents of that device’s Photos library to Apple’s servers and thence to any other devices that meet the system requirements, are signed in with the same iCloud credentials, and have iCloud Photo Library enabled.Ī: For starters, you need an iCloud account, which anyone can get for free. Unfortunately, that FAQ didn’t answer any of the questions I had personally, and judging by the email and comments we’ve received from readers, confusion over this feature is widespread. To Apple’s credit, the company did post an iCloud Photo Library FAQ, and it’s worth reading for several basic details. But like so many things in the Apple ecosystem, iCloud Photo Library raises a number of vexing questions, especially for anyone whose use case is in any way atypical. In theory, this feature should “just work,” magically syncing all your photos across all your devices.
With the release of Photos for Mac in OS X 10.10.3, Mac users have not only a replacement for the much-maligned iPhoto but also access to iCloud Photo Library, an iCloud feature for syncing photos that Apple introduced in iOS 8.1. #1595: Replacing the Time Capsule, AT&T and Verizon 5G coverage expands, is iOS 15's Focus overkill?.#1596: OS updates, Apple Q1 2022 outpaces supply constraints, Yahoo POP bug, Apple Personal Safety User Guide, Simply Piano.#1597: Apple Watch fitness tracking, cloud storage issues, Roku Express 4K+, watchOS 8.4.1.#1598: OS updates, Fantastical 3.6 self-scheduling, Mindfulness measures HRV, Monterey on too-old Macs, TidBITS list gremlins.#1599: Avoiding blue light from screens, Bowflex C6 Bike spin cycle, Internet mapping services, Apple Buying Advice website.