iCloud End-to-End Encryption Unavailable for UK Users

Key Takeaways

1. Apple has prioritized privacy but has removed Advanced Data Protection (ADP) for new iPhone users in the UK due to government demands.
2. Existing UK users must turn off ADP to use iCloud services; it is not automatically disabled by Apple.
3. Advanced Data Protection is opt-in, meaning users who haven’t activated it will not be affected by this change.
4. Other Apple services like iMessage, Keychain, and Safari History still retain end-to-end encryption despite the removal of ADP.
5. UK users concerned about data security may consider switching to other cloud storage services or storing data locally.


Among several factors, iPhones are well-known for their strong focus on privacy. Apple is famous for not compromising on encryption, even when the FBI made requests back in 2015. However, a decade later, Apple has given in to ongoing demands from the UK Government. Consequently, new iPhone users will no longer have access to Advanced Data Protection.

Notice for UK Users

9to5Mac found a notice on an iPhone in the UK that stated, “Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the United Kingdom to new users.” Existing users will also need to turn off the feature if they want to utilize iCloud services. The good news is that it’s opt-in, so unless you turned it on yourself, you might not be impacted. This is also why it’s your responsibility to disable it, as Apple can’t deactivate end-to-end encryption remotely.

Other Security Features Remain Intact

However, this change won’t impact other Apple services that also use end-to-end encryption, like iMessage, Keychain, and Safari History. If you’re located in the UK and rely on iCloud, it might be a wise decision to consider switching to a different cloud storage service or storing your data locally. While the transition may be cumbersome and not as smooth as what Apple offers, you can feel confident that your data will remain safe.

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