Apple announced new updates throughout its platforms to give users more control over their data. Private Cloud Compute brings iPhone’s strong privacy protections to the cloud, so users get both smart switches and privacy. New tools, such as Locked and Hidden Apps, help secure sensitive information on devices. Other updates focused on privacy and security include new ways to organize mail, send messages via satellite, and use Presenter Preview.
Private cloud compute enables Apple Intelligence to handle complex user requests with groundbreaking privacy, says Craig Federighi, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Software Engineering. With extended iPhone security in the cloud, we believe this is the most advanced security architecture ever deployed at scale. Private cloud compute uses your data only to fulfill your request and never stores it, ensuring it’s never accessible to anyone, including Apple. We designed the system so that independent experts can verify these protections.
Superior Privacy for AI Capabilities
Apple Intelligence is a personal intelligence system that uses advanced generative models on iPhone, iPad, and iMac, making these devices more helpful, full, and enjoyable to use.
A key part of Apple Intelligence is on-device processing, meaning tasks are completed directly on your device using its own computing power. This provides smart features without collecting user data for many tasks. When more computational power is needed, Cloud Compute enables Apple Intelligence to use larger, server-based AI models for complex tasks, while still protecting customer privacy.
When a user makes a request, Apple Intelligence checks if it can handle it on the device. If more power is needed, it uses private cloud compute, sending only the necessary data to Apple Silicon servers. This data is not stored or shared with Apple and is used only to complete the request as it does on a user’s iPhone. Secure Boot ensures the OS running on the server is signed and verified, just like in iOS. A trusted execution monitor makes sure only signed and verified code runs, and attestation enables a user’s device to securely verify the identity and configuration of a private cloud compute cluster before sending a request. To verify Apple’s privacy promise, industry-independent experts can inspect the code that runs on private cloud compute servers.
More Privacy Features Meant To Enable Users
Locked and Hidden Apps help users keep their information private when sharing their screen or device. You can lock an app to protect its contents, requiring authentication, or hide it so others can’t see it. If someone tries to open a locked app, they must use Face ID (facial recognition), Touch ID (fingerprint authentication), or a passcode for extra privacy. You can move hidden apps to a special folder that also requires one of these authentication methods to open.
“We relentlessly deliver on our devotion to give users the strongest and most innovative privacy protections,” said Erik Neuenschwander, Apple’s Director of Customer Privacy. This year is no exception, and the ability to lock and hide apps is just one example of Apple helping users remain in control of their information, even when they are sharing their devices with others.
Apple has long aimed to let users share only what they want with whomever they choose. In 2020, the photo picker (a tool for selecting specific photos) allowed users to pick individual photos or videos for apps without granting full access. This year, two new features were added with similar intentions. Permissions improvements in iOS 18 let users choose which contacts to share with an app, rather than granting access to all contacts. Accessory Setup Kit gives developers a way to pair their accessories without allowing apps to see other devices on the network—helping keep things private and making pairing easier.
Apple’s latest updates make privacy and security simpler and stronger for every user.
The new Passwords app builds on Keychain, which Apple launched over 25 years ago. It lets users easily access their account passwords, passkeys, Wi‑Fi passwords, and two‑factor authentication codes — all stored securely. The app also warns users about weak, reused, and leaked passwords.
The updated Privacy and Security section in Settings now provides clear information, making it easier for users to see what access each app has to their data and device features.
More Features Created For Privacy
Apple has continually added privacy and security protections to its apps and services, and with iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia, the discourse continues.
In iOS 18, Mail now automatically sorts messages directly on the user’s iPhone. It organizes emails into Primary, Promotions, Transactions, and Updates categories so users can focus on what matters most.
Additionally, with iOS 18, users can send messages to friends and family over satellite when they lack cellular or Wi-Fi access. Regular iMessage and SMS conversations remain supported, and iMessage stays end-to-end encrypted when messaging off the grid.
Presenter Preview in macOS Sequoia further supports privacy by helping users avoid oversharing on video calls, AirPlay sessions (wireless screen sharing), or when connecting a device by cable. In apps like FaceTime and Zoom, users can choose to share their entire screen or just one app, and the presenter’s preview window appears automatically to show exactly what will be shared.
Source: Apple extends its privacy leadership with new updates across its platforms
