So, just bought a new cell phone. Transfered all my data to the new phone, then as soon as I'm done head over to wipe the old phone. I never use iCloud except for Find My Phone and that's only when I'm using the app. I get a prompt telling me that I can't perform the phone reset since an iCloud upload is in progress 
It at least gave me the option to turn it off. Oh, and of course on the new phone Apple plays the same game of trying to trick you into iCloud with vague language and turning on features that upload data without your permission.
It at least gave me the option to turn it off. Oh, and of course on the new phone Apple plays the same game of trying to trick you into iCloud with vague language and turning on features that upload data without your permission.