UK's Two-Tier iCloud Encryption Leaves Some Apple Users Exposed

In the UK, Apple’s iCloud security now effectively splits customers into two tiers tied to government pressure rather than technology. Apple’s opt-in “Advanced Data Protection,” which extends end-to-end encryption to iCloud Backup, Photos, Drive and other categories, stopped accepting new UK users in early 2025. Existing subscribers who enabled it before the cutoff kept stronger protections, while new users are left with the standard tier where Apple holds the keys and can comply with law-enforcement requests via proper legal process. Apple said the outcome was “gravely disappointing” after it faced secret Technical Capability Notices under the Investigatory Powers Act. Apple then challenged follow-on notices at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal as recently as September 2026. Core iCloud encryption remains for about 14 data types for all users.