MobileMe subscribers get free iCloud space

Apple are offering existing subscribers to its MobileMe service 25GB of free space in the iCloud, in addition to the regular 5GB free package new users will be offered.

The free space equates to a $40-per-year (£25) subscription, but the offer only lasts until June 2012, after which time the normal fees kick in. However, users will be allowed to scale-down to the free standard 5GB option.

Apple’s iCloud is set to go live, as will the free subscriptions, when iOS 5 launches this autumn – along with the rumoured new iPhone handset. Currently a September release date is speculated.

The iCloud is already currently available to developers, along with the iOS 5 beta.

Users of the MobileMe service making the changeover will have their me.com email address moved to the new servers, along with contacts and calendars.

Gallery, iDisk, and iWeb publishing services will remain accessible until MobileMe’s scheduled closing date of 30 June next year. These services can still be used after account migration to the iCloud too.

There are downsides to the deal though, as Apple admitted certain features would no longer sync between devices, including dashboard widgets, system preferences and some mail account and calendar settings. These include rules, signatures and smart mailboxes.