The Files application for Apple Vision Pro offers a robust and versatile platform for managing files, irrespective of their location, whether on your device, in the cloud, or on an external drive or file server. Developed by Apple and available for free, this app aims to streamline the process of accessing, organizing, and managing files across various storage mediums. One of its standout features is the Recents view, which showcases the files you’ve been working on recently through high-resolution thumbnails. Additionally, the powerful Browse view lets you easily navigate through folders, organize files with tags, move files between folders, and conduct searches.
The application seamlessly integrates with iCloud Drive and third-party cloud storage services like Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive, making it easier to manage files from multiple cloud providers. Users can quickly open files from anywhere by pressing the Files icon located in the Dock or Home screen. External drives and SD cards can be connected to your device to access their files easily, and you can also connect to a file server or home PC using SMB, adding another layer of usability for both professionals and casual users.
One remarkable feature is the ability to use tags to organize files stored under different cloud providers and apps. Pinned folders in the Browse view offer quick access to the folders you use most frequently. Moreover, you can share iCloud Drive files by generating and sending a link directly from the Files app, enhancing collaboration capabilities. The drag and drop feature further simplifies the process of selecting and organizing files into folders.
Despite its functionality, Files has received a mixed bag of reviews from users, indicating a range of experiences. One user, who appears to be a younger individual, expressed frustration due to a lack of understanding of how to use the app. She mentioned difficulty connecting to Kahoot and eventually figured out how to add folders but struggled to add content within those folders. However, she appreciated that there were no ads within the app.
Another reviewer with a more advanced understanding of the app lamented the poor integration with iCloud, mentioning that downloading files for quick access consumes significant iPhone storage. He pointed out that even with a 2TB iCloud plan, the app does not offer an efficient way to unload files from the device storage without manually removing them one by one. This user expressed frustration with the inability to clear everything with one button, highlighting inefficiencies in storage management options.
A different user emphasized that the Files app is a big letdown, especially on iPad OS and iOS. This user found the app limiting when working with iCloud and Google Drive, as it often lost setup information and became unresponsive at random, inopportune moments. This led to significant work disruptions, making the iPad Pro less useful for professional tasks. In their search for a better file management solution, they had to resort to third-party apps.
Other users reported issues when the app tried to integrate with external storage devices or file servers. The Files app seemed to struggle when dealing with numerous files and subfolders, often freezing without showing any error messages. These problems extended beyond just the Files app, causing other applications to freeze as well, driving the need to restart the device to resolve the issue.
One user described a particularly creepy bug where screenshots they took would automatically get copied to the Files folder without their permission. This caused an endless loop of “waiting to upload,” slowing down their ability to save actual files. They had to offload and reinstall the app to clear the queue, which was a time-consuming and frustrating process.
A mixture of disappointment and passionate criticism came from a user who declared the app a complete waste of space. They were appalled by the app’s failure to show all files downloaded on the iPhone, rendering it useless for their needs. This passionate review called for drastic improvements or the removal of the app designers from their role.
Some reviews highlighted that the connection problems to other Apple devices and servers were a recurring issue. Users noted freezing or a lack of refreshment in updated files and folders. They suggested the engineers behind the app might feel embarrassed by its performance, as it does not align with the high-quality standards usually associated with Apple products.
Several users experienced specific issues with using the Files app in a professional capacity. For example, adding a text box in a PDF while connected to a Bluetooth keyboard did not function correctly. Despite multiple attempts and customer support interactions, the problem persisted. This forced users to use alternative applications, which is inconvenient for those invested in Apple’s ecosystem.
Conversely, some praised the app for filling a long-missing niche in iOS by providing a local file browser. However, requests were made for additional features such as native handling of .gz and .tar archive files to reduce dependency on third-party apps, which may not always secure user data.
While the Files app offers a plethora of features designed to facilitate file management across various storage mediums, user experiences vary dramatically. Issues ranging from basic usability problems for younger users to more complex technical challenges faced by professionals indicate that there is significant room for improvement. Potential updates could address these shortcomings and align the app more closely with Apple’s renowned standards of quality and user experience.
