[Thorzdad]

What does iCloud Backup actually backup?

My old, old, old iPad Air is on its last legs, and I definitely need to prepare for the eventuality of replacing it. So, a new backup is in order. In the past, I’ve simply connected it up to my equally-old iMac and made a local, full backup via iTunes.

However, I’m somewhat concerned that a new iPad won’t be able to connect (either physically or software-wise) to my old iMac in order to set it up from a backup. So, I’m wondering about doing an iCloud backup.

The iPad is a 64gig model, with only about half the capacity in use. Of course, I only have the standard 5gig iCloud account (and it’s pretty much empty) So, I’m going to have to buy extra storage to do an iCloud backup, right?

[subego]

I’m not exactly sure what it puts in there, but I’m almost positive it’ll take more than 5GB.

Won’t hurt to try it though. It’ll tell you if it runs out of space.

[andi*pandi]

I dont think it stores the apps themselves anymore, just data/settings.
what could be a factor are photos and music. If your desktop already has the originals of these, then don't worry.

If you do want to update icloud it's only 2.99 for the next tier.

A magical thing was watching the tech at tmobile just hold the old phone and new phone together and they magically cloned. Magic.