Learn about new Apple iCloud encryption features

Apple this week announced it is extending end-to-end encryption to other types of data stored in iCloud, a feature called Advanced Data Protection, including device backups, photos, messages and more. With the new changes, more types of data stored in iCloud will be fully end-to-end encrypted, a higher level of encryption standard.

To help MacRumors readers better understand what the new feature is, how it works, and more, we created this short post to answer questions about Some of the most common questions about advanced data protection.

What does it do and why is it new?

Prior to Advanced Data Protection, Apple only encrypted certain types of user data in iCloud, such as passwords and health data. By encrypting data, only trusted user devices can access the information. However, other information stored in iCloud, such as your photos, messages, and device backups, are not fully end-to-end encrypted, meaning Apple could access your information if it wanted to. With advanced data protection, that all changes.

When Advanced Data Protection is enabled for a specific iCloud account, the vast majority of data stored in the cloud will be end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one, including Apple, law enforcement or the government, can access that information . Only trusted devices can decrypt this information.

Which data will be fully end-to-end encrypted?

With Advanced Data Protection, users will have the following types of data encrypted end-to-end in iCloud along with health data and passwords.

• Device Backup
• Message Backup
• iCloud Drive
• Photos
• Reminder
• Safari Bookmarks
• Siri Shortcuts
• Voice Memos
• Wallet Pass

It is worth noting that iCloud Mail, Contacts and Calendar will not be ported. End-to-end encryption, as they all require the ability to connect to external sources such as Gmail, Yahoo, etc.

Is it enabled by default and if not, how do I enable it?

Advanced data protection is not enabled for users by default. In a recent interview, Apple Senior Vice President of Software Engineering Craig Federighi explained that Advanced Data Protection requires users to put in extra effort to enable recovery methods. Federighi explained that there are additional processes and responsibilities if a user forgets their password or loses access to their account, making it impractical to force every user to complete the process.

Still, it's easy to enable even if it's not enabled by default. When the feature rolls out to all U.S. users at the end of the month, depending on when you activated your device, you'll be able to go into Settings, iCloud and Advanced Data Protection, enable it and follow the on-screen prompts.

i Can it be used now?

not yet. Advanced Data Protection will be available to all U.S. users by the end of this month, and Apple says it will be available globally in early 2023. The exact date of global launch is unknown.

Is it free?

Yes, it's free. Advanced Data Protection is an extra layer of protection available for free to anyone with an iCloud account.

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