In short
- An iCloud link shares full-quality photos for 30 days.
- Shared Albums depend on the iOS version and your iCloud space.
- A Room works on any device and takes uploads from everyone.
What an iCloud link does
Apple says an iCloud link shares full-quality photos that anyone can view, and it stays available for 30 days. After that, people need a new link.
What Shared Albums do now
Albums made on iOS 27 or later keep full resolution, count against the owner’s iCloud storage and let people without Apple devices add photos on the web. Older albums reduce photos.
When a Room is easier
A Room doesn’t use your iCloud space, works the same on iPhone, Android and Windows, and everyone can add their own photos with one link.
Questions
How long does an iCloud photo link last?
Apple says iCloud links remain available for 30 days.
Do iCloud Shared Albums keep full quality?
Albums made on iOS 27 or later do, according to Apple; older albums reduce photos to 2,048 pixels.
Does a Room use my iCloud storage?
No. A Room has its own space, separate from iCloud.
One link. Everyone’s photos.
Free up to 10 GB. Guests never need an account.