iOS 26.4 was released last month with new features for Apple Music, Podcasts , and more. A major addition in this update is improved iCloud functionality on the web, specifically the introduction of a search feature.
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Most major tech companies prioritize web access for their services, with Google's offerings being optimized for the web, while app versions are secondary. In contrast, Apple has traditionally focused on apps for its platforms, with web versions often lagging behind.
This approach aligns with the typical usage patterns of Apple service users, who primarily access these services on Apple devices, where native apps provide the best experience.
With iOS 26.4, Apple has improved iCloud.com by adding a search feature for files and photos. The update includes a new 'Allow Search' toggle, which is off by default. When turned on, this feature allows users to search for files in iCloud Drive or photos in iCloud Photos via the web.
To enable this feature, users must turn on data access for iCloud.com and then turn on the ‘Allow Search’ switch. This allows searching for files in iCloud Drive or photos in iCloud Photos. As you type in the search field, suggestions will appear to help you find what you need.
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Searches performed in Photos and Drive are encrypted and use on-device processing, ensuring that no search history is stored on Apple servers.
While the search feature is essential for web-first services like Google Drive and Google Photos, Apple previously limited search to the native Files and Photos. Now, users can enjoy a full search experience on iCloud.com, similar to that of the native apps.
To enable file and photo search on iCloud.com, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Click your name at the top
- Tap "iCloud"
- Scroll down and select “iCloud.com”
- Enable "Allow Search"
- Select "Allow" in the confirmation pop-up window
This switch must be manually turned on on each device you want to use to provide search results on iCloud.com. However, if your devices sync the same files and photos, turning the switch on once on your iPhone is enough.
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Users with a full Apple system may not use iCloud.com often, but for those working on Windows or Android devices, this new feature is a valuable improvement.
