Apple has announced that it will no longer offer its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) feature to new users in the United Kingdom, citing ongoing security concerns. The move affects cloud data storage services such as iCloud Drive and Photos.
Prior to this announcement, ADP provided the highest level of encryption for iCloud data, with only the user having access to it on their trusted devices. However, due to rising data breaches and threats to customer privacy, Apple is now relying on standard data protection methods for certain categories of data.
Despite claims that Apple would never build a backdoor into its products or services, the company’s decision suggests that external pressures may have played a role in the withdrawal of ADP. The exact reason for this move remains unclear, but it has raised concerns about the security of user data in the UK.
The impact on iCloud users is mixed. For certain categories such as Health and Keychain data, encryption by default remains intact. However, nine categories including iCloud Backup, Photos, and Wallet Passes will now rely on standard protection methods instead.
In contrast, ADP continues to be available for cloud data storage in the rest of the world. This move highlights the importance of individual country-specific security standards and raises questions about Apple’s stance on encryption and user privacy.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/02/21/apple-warns-uk-iphone-owners-it-will-remove-encryption-protection