Apple introduced new updates throughout its platforms to give users more control over their data. Private Cloud Compute, a feature that processes information on remote Apple servers without storing it long-term, brings the iPhone’s strong privacy protections to the cloud so users can get both smart features and privacy. New tools such as locked and hidden apps which require authentication for app access and conceal selected apps help secure sensitive information on devices. Other updates include privacy-focused features in Mail (which limit email tracking), satellite messaging (allowing texts in areas without cell service), and Presenter Preview (a preview before sharing your screen).
Private cloud compute allows Apple Intelligence to process complex user requests with groundbreaking privacy,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering. “We’ve extended iPhone’s industry-leading security to the cloud with what we believe is the most advanced security architecture ever deployed for cloud AI 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. And we’ve designed the system so that independent experts can verify these protections.”
Superior Privacy for AI Capabilities
Apple Intelligence is a personal intelligence system built into iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It uses advanced generative models to make these devices more helpful and enjoyable to use.
A key part of Apple Intelligence is on-device processing, which means features are powered directly on the user’s device without collecting user data. When more computing is needed, private cloud computing steps in and uses larger server-based models software that runs on powerful remote computers to handle complex tasks while still protecting customer privacy.
When a user makes a request, Apple Intelligence checks whether it can handle it locally on the device. If the task is too complex, only the necessary data is sent to Apple Silicon servers using private cloud compute. The data is not shared, stored, or shared with Apple, and is used only to complete the request.
Apple silicon servers that power Private Cloud Compute provide strong cloud security. The Secure Enclave protects important encryption keys by keeping them isolated from the rest of the system. Secure Boot is a feature that ensures only approved and verified software can run on the server’s operating system, as it does on an iPhone. Trusted Execution Monitor is a security tool that ensures only approved code runs on the servers. Attestation allows devices to verify a server’s identity before sending any data. Independent experts can review the server code to confirm Apple’s privacy claims.
More Privacy Features Intended To Support Users
Locked and hidden apps help users keep their information private when sharing their screen or device. Users can lock an app to protect its content or hide it so others can’t see it. If someone tries to open a locked app, they must use Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. Hidden apps are moved to a special folder that also requires authentication to open.
“We relentlessly deliver on our pledge to give users the strongest and most innovative privacy protections,” said Eric 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 if they are sharing their devices with others.”
Apple has long worked to let users control what they share and with whom. In 2020, the Photos picker allowed users to select specific photos for apps without granting full access. This year, new features have been built on that. Contacts permission improvements in iOS 18 let users pick which contacts to share with an app. The Accessory Setup Kit gives developers a way to pair accessories without apps, see all devices on the network, and keep things private and easy.
Other updates throughout Apple’s platform make it even easier for users to use privacy and security features.
The new Passwords app builds on Keychain, which Apple introduced over 25 years ago. It lets users easily access account passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and two-factor codes stored securely. The app also warns users about weak, reused, or leaked passwords.
Additional Features Built With Privacy By Design
Apple has added privacy and security protections to its apps and services for years, and iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia sustain this approach.
In iOS 18, Mail now sorts messages directly on the user’s iPhone into primary promotions, transactions, and updates, helping users focus on what matters most.
With iOS 18, users can send messages to friends and family over satellite when they don’t have cellular or Wi-Fi. They can use their regular iMessage and SMS conversations, and iMessage stays end-to-end encrypted.
Presenter preview in macOS Sonoma helps users avoid sharing too much during video calls, AirPlay, or when connecting with a cable. In apps like FaceTime and Zoom, users can choose to share their entire screen or just one app, and the presenter preview appears automatically.
Availability
Access the developer betas of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia now at developer.apple.com if you are an Apple Developer Program member. Expect public betas at beta.apple.com next month. Receive the updated software this fall as a free update. Be aware that features may change and may not be available everywhere in every language or on all devices. Check apple.com for detailed availability.
Use Apple Intelligence in beta this fall on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPad or Mac model with an M1 chip or newer as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. Set Siri’s language to US English to enable it. Get more information at apple.com/apple-intelligence.
Source: Apple extends its privacy leadership with new updates across its platforms
