Since iOS 18, iPados 18 and MacOS Sequoia, Apple has added a new function to iCloud. With this new function it is possible to always make files stored in iCloud available offline.
As an iCloud user you can therefore indicate which files and folders must be permanently available locally under macOS or iOS. This can be useful if you always want a local version of a certain file at your disposal. Even when there is no internet connection available.
In earlier versions of iOS and macOS, iCloud users had limited control over which files and folders were stored offline. iCloud decided on the basis of use or files, whether or not locally, to save storage space.
MacOS: retain iCloud files locally
From MacOS Sequoia you can indicate in Finder whether you want to keep a file or folder available locally. You can do this by right clicking on the folder or file with the right mouse button. In the context menu that appears, select ‘Downloaded’.
If you select the option with a file or folder, the iCloud symbol next to the item will be replaced by a black ball with an arrow down. This means that the files are stored locally on the device.
iOS: retain iCloud files locally
From iOS 18 and iPados 18 you can find the same option in the files app. For this, tap a file or folder and keep your finger on it a few moments. A context menu now opens in which the option ‘Save download’ is visible. After a file has been selected, a black ball with an arrow down behind the folder or file appears.
iCloud synchronization remains active
If you change a locally stored iCloud file, the local file is automatically synchronized if there is a connection with iCloud, even if that happens from another device.
The biggest advantage of keeping the function is that you always have a local version of the file available, even if you are (temporarily) offline.