Apple Removes Key iPhone Security Feature in the UK

Apple has confirmed it will remove its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature from iPhones in the United Kingdom. This decision follows a demand from the UK government for access to encrypted user data under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.

ADP provides end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups, ensuring that only the user can access their files. However, Apple has now announced that it can no longer offer this level of security to UK users.

Why Is Apple Removing ADP?

The UK government reportedly requested that Apple build a way for authorities to access encrypted files stored on iCloud. While Apple has repeatedly stated that it will never create a backdoor into its services, it has instead chosen to remove ADP entirely from UK iPhones.

For new users in the UK, ADP is already unavailable. Existing users who have enabled ADP will eventually be required to turn it off, and their stored data will lose its end-to-end encryption. Apple has not provided a timeline for when this transition will be enforced but has warned users that they will need to make changes to their settings.

Apple’s decision highlights growing tension between governments and tech companies over encryption. Law enforcement agencies argue that stronger encryption can hinder criminal investigations by making it harder to access evidence. However, privacy advocates warn that creating any form of backdoor would weaken security for everyone, as hackers and cybercriminals could exploit such vulnerabilities.

What This Means for UK iPhone Users

The removal of ADP affects data stored in iCloud backups, iCloud Drive, Photos, Notes, Reminders, Safari Bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, Voice Memos, Wallet Passes, and Freeform. These categories will now only be protected by Apple’s Standard Data Protection, which does not include end-to-end encryption.

However, some data remains secure. Apple has confirmed that end-to-end encryption will still be applied to iMessage, FaceTime, iCloud Keychain (passwords), and health data.

Users should also be aware that losing ADP means messages stored in iCloud backups will now be accessible to Apple, and potentially to government authorities if legally required. This change also affects non-UK users who communicate with UK iPhone users, as their messages may now be included in less secure backups.

How to Protect Your Data

While Apple’s decision is final, there are steps UK users can take to enhance their privacy:

• Disable iCloud Backup: Without ADP, iCloud backups can be accessed by Apple. Instead, consider manually backing up your device to a local computer using Finder or iTunes.
• Use Encrypted Backups for WhatsApp: WhatsApp allows users to enable end-to-end encrypted backups separately from iCloud. You can enable this in WhatsApp under Settings → Chats → Chat Backup.
• Turn Off iCloud Syncing for Sensitive Apps: Apps like Notes, Voice Memos, and Photos can be removed from iCloud syncing to prevent them from being stored in non-encrypted backups.

Apple has stated that it remains committed to user privacy and hopes to restore ADP in the UK in the future. However, for now, users must take extra precautions to keep their data secure.