Renegade50
Level 1 (9 points)
iCloud

Q: Optimize iPhone Storage Question

When selecting Optimize iPhone Storage under iCloud Photo Library, I know it stores the full res in iCloud and downloads it when you select it in the photos app, taking up some space on your phone. How long does it stay downloaded in full res? Does it ever go back its "optimized state" and freeing up storage again automatically?

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 10.0.2

Posted on Oct 13, 2016 10:38 AM

by Winston Churchill,Solvedanswer
Winston Churchill Winston Churchill
Level 10 (104,468 points)
Apple TV
A:

Yes it will return to an optimised state given time, exactly when will vary. Optimisation is dynamic, it reduces the resolution of your photos as and when needed, so you may not notice it occurring at first. However when it is needed, it is very effective and users have reported libraries being optimised to much less than 10% of their original size in some cases. My own library is about 9% of its original size on my phone.

Posted on Oct 13, 2016 2:40 PM

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Renegade50

Q: Optimize iPhone Storage Question

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  • by Boneslasher,Helpful

    Boneslasher Boneslasher Oct 13, 2016 1:26 PM in response to Renegade50
    Level 1 (22 points)
    iCloud
    Oct 13, 2016 1:26 PM in response to Renegade50

    Actually I am missing the option of: "Remove all the photos from the device and store them in the cloud".

    But maybe I am asking for too much!

     

    Anyway, until you will have space on the device, it will not erase them.

    I have still 27GB free and so I will never trigger the thing before a couple of years ...

  • by Renegade50,

    Renegade50 Renegade50 Oct 13, 2016 1:27 PM in response to Boneslasher
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iCloud
    Oct 13, 2016 1:27 PM in response to Boneslasher

    Aw man I don't need to full resolution pic on my device though! You would think it'd revert back to the optimized image after a few hours!

  • by Winston Churchill,Solvedanswer

    Winston Churchill Winston Churchill Oct 13, 2016 2:40 PM in response to Renegade50
    Level 10 (104,468 points)
    Apple TV
    Oct 13, 2016 2:40 PM in response to Renegade50

    Yes it will return to an optimised state given time, exactly when will vary. Optimisation is dynamic, it reduces the resolution of your photos as and when needed, so you may not notice it occurring at first. However when it is needed, it is very effective and users have reported libraries being optimised to much less than 10% of their original size in some cases. My own library is about 9% of its original size on my phone.

  • by Renegade50,

    Renegade50 Renegade50 Oct 13, 2016 2:40 PM in response to Winston Churchill
    Level 1 (9 points)
    iCloud
    Oct 13, 2016 2:40 PM in response to Winston Churchill

    Thank you! I just discovered this to be honest and it's very cool.