June 10, 2024
press release
Apple is expanding its leadership in privacy with new updates across its platforms
Private cloud computing sets a new standard for privacy in AI
Cupertino, California Apple today announced new updates across its platforms that help empower users and keep them in control of their data. Private Cloud Compute extends industry-leading protection for iPhone to the cloud, so users don't have to choose between powerful intelligence grounded in their personal context and powerful privacy protection. Apple has also raised the bar on privacy with new features, such as locked and hidden apps, aimed at helping users protect sensitive areas of their phones. Apple has introduced additional features designed with privacy and security in mind, including sorting in Mail, satellite messaging, and presenter preview.
“Private cloud computing allows Apple Intelligence to process complex user requests with unprecedented privacy,” said Craig Federighi, senior vice president of Software Engineering at Apple. “We've extended industry-leading iPhone security to the cloud, with what we believe is the most advanced security architecture ever deployed for cloud AI at scale. Private Cloud Compute only uses your data to fulfill your request, never stores it, making sure They can never be accessed by anyone, including Apple, and we designed the system so that independent experts can verify these protections.
Ultra-specificity of AI capabilities
Apple Intelligence is the personal intelligence system that puts powerful generative models at the heart of iPhone, iPad, and Mac, making the user's most personal devices more useful and enjoyable.
The cornerstone of Apple Intelligence is on-device processing, which provides personalized intelligence without collecting user data. In times when a user needs models that are larger than what can fit in their pocket today, Private Cloud Compute allows Apple Intelligence to flex and scale its computational power, relying on larger server-based models to handle more complex requests, all while protecting user privacy. .
When a user places a request, Apple Intelligence analyzes whether it can be processed on the device. If he needs more computational power, he can rely on Private Cloud Compute, which will only send data relevant to the task to be processed on Apple silicon servers. When requests are routed to Private Cloud Compute, the data is not stored or made accessible to Apple, and is used only to fulfill the user's requests.
The Apple silicon servers that form the foundation of Private Cloud Compute provide unprecedented cloud security. This starts with the Secure Enclave, which protects critical encryption keys on the server just as it does on the user's iPhone, while Secure Boot ensures that the operating system running on the server is signed and verified, just as it is in iOS. Trusted Execution Monitor makes sure that only signed and verified code runs, and authentication enables the user's device to securely verify the identity and configuration of the Private Cloud Compute cluster before sending the request. To verify Apple's privacy promise, independent experts can examine the code running on Private Cloud Compute servers.
More details about private cloud computing can be found at security.apple.com/blog/private-cloud-compute.
More privacy features designed to empower users
Locked and hidden apps give users peace of mind that others won't accidentally see something unintended when they show their screen to someone else, or hand over their device to them. Users can lock the app to protect its contents from view, or hide the app to help prevent others from seeing it. When a user locks an app, if someone tries to tap on it, they'll be asked to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode. For added privacy, the user can also hide an app, moving it to a locked, hidden Apps folder that requires Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to unlock.
“We are relentless in our commitment to giving users the strongest, most innovative privacy protections,” said Eric Neuenschwander, Apple's director of user privacy. “This year is no exception, and the ability to lock and hide apps is just one example of Apple helping users stay in control of their information, even when they share their devices with others.”
For years, Apple has worked to ensure that users can share exactly what they want and with whom. In 2020, Apple introduced the Photo Selector, which allows the user to select photos and videos for use in the app, without requiring full access to the photo library. This year, Apple has two new features that expand on this protection. With the Contact Permissions improvements in iOS 18, Apple is giving users control by letting them choose which contacts they want to share with the app, instead of giving the app access to all of their contacts. The Accessory Setup Toolkit also allows developers to provide a new, intuitive way to pair a user's accessories without letting the app see all the other devices on their network, keeping their devices private and making pairing seamless.
Other new updates across Apple platforms make it easier than ever for users to take advantage of privacy and security features.
Building on the foundation of Keychain, which Apple first introduced more than 25 years ago, the new Passwords app makes it easier for users to access account passwords, passkeys, Wi-Fi passwords, and two-factor authentication codes stored securely in Keychain. The app also includes alerts to users about common vulnerabilities, such as passwords that can be easily guessed, have been used multiple times, or have appeared in known data leaks.
Additionally, an updated Privacy & Security section in Settings displays quick information, so users can more easily understand each app's access level.
Additional features designed for privacy by design
Apple has been building privacy and security protections into its apps and services for many years, and iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia are no exception.
With iOS 18, sorting in Mail takes place entirely on the user's iPhone, automatically sorting messages into essentials, promotions, transactions, and updates, allowing users to focus on the messages that are most important to them.
Satellite Messaging in iOS 18 lets users send messages to their friends and family directly from existing iMessage and SMS conversations when they don't have access to cellular or Wi-Fi.1 When off the network, users can send messages via Satellite directly from the Messages app, while maintaining iMessage's end-to-end encryption.
Presenter Preview in macOS Sequoia helps ensure users don't have to worry about excessive sharing while video conferencing, using AirPlay, or connecting with a cable. With apps like FaceTime and Zoom, users can share their entire screen, or just an app, and a presenter preview automatically appears.
Availability
Developer betas for iOS 18, iPad OS 18, and macOS Sequoia are available to Apple Developer Program members at developer.apple.com starting today, and public betas will be available next month at beta.apple.com. New software features will be available this fall as a free software update. Features are subject to change. Some features may not be available in all regions, all languages, or on all devices. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.
Apple Intelligence will be available in beta on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad, and Mac with M1 and later, with Siri and device language set to US English, as part of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia this fall. . For more information, visit apple.com/apple-intelligence.
About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro. Apple's six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS and tvOS — deliver seamless experiences across all Apple devices and enable people to take advantage of amazing services, including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud and Apple TV+. Apple's more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on Earth and leaving the world better than we found it. Satellite Messages will be available in iOS 18 alongside Apple's existing Satellite features in the US on iPhone 14 and later. SMS availability depends on carrier. Carrier charges may apply. Users should check with their carrier for details.
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