Several of my apps appeared with “ghost cloud” little icons next to their names on the iPhone screen. Apple Store specialists said those were tied to that old Apple ID, but that wasn’t true. Many NEW apps I recently got or paid for with my current Apple ID had those “ghost clouds” and did NOT show up on my Purchases list in the App Store app. The old Apple ID part, I don’t know what that’s about.
Apple should only prompt you for an Apple ID for iCloud. If you use a separate account for purchases from the App Store and other Apple stores, you may be prompted for that password, too. If you have apps or content installed registered to another account, you can also be prompted, but Audrey says that’s not the case and she hasn’t been prompted through years of other updates and phone transfers.
Let’s put that to the side, as I don’t have an answer. I can explain what’s going on with the cloud icon, however. If you see an iCloud download icon to the left of an app’s name, it’s supposed to indicate that you offloaded the app. Offload App is a new option that I can’t find Apple has documented in a support note, and it’s only available if you go to a specific spot in Settings to use it. An offloaded app has a tiny iCloud icon before its name.
Deleting an app via the home screen removes it and its associated data and settings. Offloaded apps are removed, reducing the storage burden of their core program, but any associated documents and data remain on your iOS device. The app icon remains, which is useful for recalling it to life. You can then tap to re-install it and be returned to the state you were in when you deleted it, rather than having to reconfigure it. It’s a neat compromise.
I wondered if Apple wasn’t ready to promote the feature, since I can’t find a mention of it outside of developer documents and forums that are publicly reachable via a Google search. 1. Hold down on any app on any home screen for a couple seconds. 2. All the app icons and folders jiggle.
3. Tap the X in the upper-left corner of an app. 4. In the dialog that appears, tap Delete to remove it. Using iPhone Storage to remove an app gives you an option to offload it and retain settings and documents. 2. Wait for apps to load at the bottom of the screen. 3. Scroll to an app you want to offload and then tap it.
4. Tap Offload App. 5. Confirm your action by tapping Offload App in the explanatory dialog that appears. I’m baffled both about Apple’s lack of information and Audrey’s experience, but at least I can explain the ghost cloud. We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com including screen captures as appropriate, and whether you want your full name used. Every question won’t be answered, we don’t reply to email, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.
These include programs such as Skype or a cloud-based anti-virus scanner (browser dependent or independent) such as Trend Micro Housecall. Just be aware that running these programs will eat up data - you may want to consider alternatives to these programs. Always make sure to disconnect from the internet when not actually using it for anything. Just because broadband is sometimes misleadingly referred to as an “always-on” connection, doesn’t mean you should treat it this way.
Also keep the password or pin to your device, such as a modem or router secret. Only you should know it. This will stop others from being able to get online using your device, and using your data. Make sure to enable encryption on your wireless device (WPA2 is recommended - not WEP), and check your modem or router's security settings.
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