Apple unveils private cloud competition to improve privacy features of its devices: Tech: Tech Times

Apple has rolled out updates to enhance user privacy and data control with the introduction of Private Cloud Compute. This cloud-based extension of iPhone security is designed to deliver powerful intelligence while maintaining rigorous privacy protection.

TOPSHOT – Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks at the annual Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WDC) in Cupertino, California, June 10, 2024.
(Photo: NIC COURY/AFP via Getty Images)

Apple introduces private cloud computing

In a press statement, Craig Federighi, senior vice president of software engineering at Apple, highlighted Private Cloud Compute’s innovative privacy offerings and ability to securely process complex user requests.

Private Cloud Compute enables Apple Intelligence to leverage an advanced security architecture, ensuring that user data is only used to fulfill requests and is never stored or accessed by anyone, including Apple.

The structure of the system allows independent experts to verify these privacy protections, increasing transparency and trust. Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system integrated into iPhones, iPads and Macs, uses on-device processing to deliver personalized experiences without compromising user data.

Private Cloud Compute extends this capability by enabling access to larger computing resources for more complex tasks while protecting user privacy. When necessary, Private Cloud Compute directs requests to Apple servers, sending only relevant data for processing, without storing it.

Private Cloud Compute security is enhanced by Apple silicon servers, with features such as Secure Enclave and Secure Boot that protect encryption keys and ensure operating system integrity.

Trusted execution monitor and attestations further enhance security by verifying code authenticity and the identity of the server cluster. According to Apple, independent experts will be able to review the code running on Private Cloud Compute servers.

Also read: Apple Siri update: Here’s everything you need to know about the latest changes, Apple Intelligence

Apple introduces locked and hidden apps

In addition to Private Cloud Compute, Apple has introduced features such as locked and hidden apps to give users more control over their privacy.

Access to locked apps requires authentication with Face ID, Touch ID, or a password to protect against unauthorized access. Hidden apps can be moved to a secured folder and require authentication to be visible.

Apple also introduced a new addition to its suite of privacy tools in the form of the Passwords app, streamlining access to stored account passwords, access keys and Wi-Fi credentials, all stored securely in your keychain.

In-app alerts notify users of common security vulnerabilities, such as easy-to-guess passwords or reused credentials. According to Apple, the revamped Privacy & Security section in Settings also offers users a clear overview of app permissions.

“We have extended iPhone’s industry-leading security to the cloud, using the most advanced security architecture ever deployed for cloud AI at scale,” Federighi said in a statement.

“Private Cloud Compute only uses your data to fulfill your request and never stores it, so it will never be accessible to anyone, including Apple. We have designed the system so that independent experts can verify these security measures,” he added.

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