Apple has introduced a “Keep Downloaded” option in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. This feature allows users to designate specific files and folders in iCloud to remain permanently available locally on their device.
Credits: Apple
In previous versions of iOS and macOS, users had limited control over which files and folders were kept offline. iCloud’s automatic management system would offload files to free up space, potentially removing ones you wanted to keep available at all times.
Apple offered no straightforward way to prevent this until now. In macOS Sequoia, right-clicking a file or folder in iCloud Drive via Finder reveals the new “Keep Downloaded” option. When enabled, an opaque cloud symbol indicates the item will remain on the device.
In iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, the same option appears in the Files app when long pressing a file or folder to bring up the contextual menu. Users can now explicitly mark files to remain on their device, regardless of storage usage.
This feature is particularly useful for users who need frequent access to documents or files during travel or in areas with poor connectivity. macOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18 are currently in beta for developers and will be available to all users when the software is publicly released this fall.