A native IBM Cloud Object Storage GUI for iPhone, iPad & Mac
Resilient object storage with cross-region options. Universal S3 Client connects over the S3 API — browse buckets, transfer files and share presigned links, free and open source.
https://s3.{region}.cloud-object-storage.appdomain.cloud
facts
IBM Cloud Object Storage at a glance
- endpoint
- https://s3.{region}.cloud-object-storage.appdomain.cloud
- auth
- HMAC Access Key · HMAC Secret · Region
- regions
- Cross-region (us, eu, ap) plus regional endpoints
- storage
- around $0.023/GB/month (Standard, 2026)
- egress
- tiered per-GB pricing
- Cross-region resiliency options
- Vault & Cold Vault tiers
- Full S3 API compatibility
setup
Get your IBM Cloud Object Storage access keys
Credentials are created in the IBM Cloud console — here's the exact path:
- 1
Open your Cloud Object Storage instance in the IBM Cloud console.
- 2
Go to "Service credentials" and click "New credential".
- 3
Enable the "Include HMAC Credential" toggle (this adds S3-style keys) and create the credential.
- 4
Expand the credential JSON, copy access_key_id and secret_access_key from cos_hmac_keys, and add IBM in Universal S3 Client.
Console: https://cloud.ibm.com/
good to know
Before you connect
By default IBM service credentials only contain an API key, which S3 clients cannot use — you must enable "Include HMAC Credential" when creating the credential to get S3-style keys.
features
What you can do with IBM Cloud Object Storage
- Browse IBM Cloud Object Storage buckets and folders with breadcrumbs, list or grid view, and image thumbnails.
- Upload from your photo library or files with multipart transfers and a real progress bar.
- Generate time-limited presigned URLs to share private objects with anyone.
- Preview and edit JSON, YAML, CSV and text files in place — changes save back to the bucket.
faq
IBM Cloud Object Storage — frequently asked
+ How do I get S3 credentials for IBM Cloud Object Storage?
Create a service credential on your COS instance with the "Include HMAC Credential" option enabled. The resulting JSON contains cos_hmac_keys with an access_key_id and secret_access_key that any S3 client can use.
+ What’s the difference between regional and cross-region storage?
Regional buckets live in one location (like us-south); cross-region buckets (us, eu, ap) replicate across several data centers for resiliency. Both are reachable through the same S3 endpoint pattern.
+ Can I browse IBM COS buckets from an iPhone?
Yes — Universal S3 Client lists your buckets and objects, uploads with progress, and previews structured files, all from iPhone, iPad or Mac. It’s free and open source.
+ Does the app support IBM’s storage tiers?
The app manages objects over the S3 API regardless of the bucket’s tier (Standard, Vault, Cold Vault). Tier selection itself is done in the IBM console when creating the bucket.
related
Also worth a look
The free IBM Cloud Object Storage client for your pocket
Install the app, paste your IBM Cloud Object Storage keys, and manage your buckets from anywhere.