In iPadOS 18 but also in iOS 18, macOS Sequoia, Apple introduced a new option called "Keep Downloaded" where you can keep iCloud files downloaded locally on your device. These files will remain stored locally, being available anytime, anywhere, even when there is no internet connection.
This new feature is especially useful for iPad users who keep files and folders stored in iCloud and need to access them when they are in areas without internet. I say this option is especially useful for iPad users, as many users prefer this device for productivity when they are away on trips or vacations.
How do you access the "Keep Downloaded" option that allows you to keep iCloud files downloaded locally?
In previous versions of iPadOS, iOS and macOS, control over files stored offline was limited. Even if there is an option to download files locally (Download Now), after a while, iCloud's automatic management system removes files from the device to free up space. This behavior results in the deletion of files that the user wanted to have available at all times, even when there is no internet connection.
Until now, there was no easy way to prevent this behavior and no way to keep iCloud files downloaded locally on iPads, Mac or iPhone. Starting with iPadOS 18, iOS 18 and macOS Sequoia, when browsing from your iPad or iPhone via iCloud Drive with the Files app (or Finder on Mac), pressing and holding on a file or folder brings up the new “Keep Downloaded” option. (Keep Downloaded). By selecting this option, the cloud symbol next to the file becomes an opaque circle with an arrow pointing down, indicating that the file or folder will remain stored on the device and will no longer be automatically deleted by the iCloud management system. Thus, you can keep iCloud files downloaded locally on your iPad or iPhone.
Of course, the device must be connected to the Internet to download files and folders from iCloud locally.
If you are a Mac user, you right-click on the files or folders in iCloud that you want to keep locally, then in the context menu you click on the "Keep Downloaded" option.
This functionality is extremely useful for users who need to frequently access documents or files when traveling or in areas with limited or no internet connection. By enabling this option, you can be sure that your important files will remain available offline, thus avoiding problems caused by lack of internet access.
Also, local storage of important files from iCloud is also useful in situations where there are problems with downloading files from the servers Apple. For example: Are iCloud files downloading slowly on your MacBook?.
