iCloud Explained - iConnected: Use AirPlay, iCloud, Apps, and More to Bring Your Apple Devices Together - page 7

server. iCloud notes the change and sends the updated phone number to all the devices connected to
your iCloud account. So, the next time you check your iPhone, for example, the new number will be
there and ready to use.
This invisible iCloud “cable” also works for photos taken on your iPhone or iPad, music and
movies downloaded from iTunes, and apps downloaded from the App Store. With the right syncing
settings turned on, the photos will be present on all your devices a few seconds after they are added
to your device. If that last passage still seems confusing, have a look at Apple's simple take on the
process in Figure 1-1, which uses a photo taken with an iPhone that is sent to the iCloud server before
being pushed to the iPad and laptop connected to that account. Got it?
Figure 1-1
iCloud receives information and pushes it to all your devices.
So that's what iCloud actually does when syncing devices, but there's more. To answer the origin-
al question, we need to look at iCloud's benefits, which I assume you're starting to appreciate already.
To clarify (in a nutshell), here are the six major benefits you receive once you're signed up to
iCloud:
• A free mail account, calendar, and address book accessible across all your
devices. If you've tried Gmail or MobileMe (the service iCloud replaces), you know the drill
already. These services naturally work with the corresponding apps on your iOS devices and
Mac computers as well as being accessible online.
• Synced App Store and iBookstore purchases. Every time you buy an app or book on
one device, it automatically downloads on your other devices. (Don't worry: You can turn
this off if you want to.) You can also access any topics or apps you've purchased in the past
and download them again for free. This works on all your devices.