Menu
Home
People
Places
Arts
History
Plants & Animals
Science
Life & Culture
Technology
Reference.org
Apple ecosystem
open-in-new
<h2 id="walled-garden">"Walled garden"</h2> <p>Apple's ecosystem is often described as a "<a href="/facts/Walled_garden_(technology)/pYUdItSd">walled garden</a>".<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:12" href="#fn:12"><sup>12</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:13" href="#fn:13"><sup>13</sup></a> While peripherals such as <a href="/facts/AirPods/1Dp8TnEx">AirPods</a>, <a href="/facts/HomePod/ToJVXQMc">HomePods</a> and <a href="/facts/AirTag/0M4w3KxY">AirTags</a> integrate complementarily into the ecosystem, with products such as the <a href="/facts/IPhone/h5WeKRl9">iPhone</a>, it does not function as well or with as many features with competitive devices such as <a href="/facts/Android_(operating_system)/nNyHb0xz">Android</a> smartphones.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:14" href="#fn:14"><sup>14</sup></a> Also, it is not easy to switch from the ecosystem once users have immersed themselves into it, as it is designed to keep users from leaving.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:15" href="#fn:15"><sup>15</sup></a><a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:16" href="#fn:16"><sup>16</sup></a> </p> <h2 id="advanced-data-protection-program">Advanced Data Protection Program</h2> <p>Launched in December 2022,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:17" href="#fn:17"><sup>17</sup></a> and "released it globally in January 2023"<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:18" href="#fn:18"><sup>18</sup></a> "in iOS 16.2".<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:19" href="#fn:19"><sup>19</sup></a> Advanced Data Protection (ADP) is an Apple ecosystem setting that uses <a href="/facts/End-to-end_encryption/e1MwRzEU">end-to-end encryption</a> to ensure that the iCloud data types — messages, photos, notes, voice memos, wallet passes, and more — can only be decrypted on devices authorized by the user. </p> <blockquote><p>"the number of data categories with end-to-end encryption rises to 23,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:20" href="#fn:20"><sup>20</sup></a> including iCloud Backup, Notes and Photos. Some major data categories remain omitted, including iCloud Mail, Contacts and Calendar"<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:21" href="#fn:21"><sup>21</sup></a></p></blockquote> <p>Once the ADP setting is turned on,<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:22" href="#fn:22"><sup>22</sup></a> Apple will not have the keys to uncover the user's data.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:23" href="#fn:23"><sup>23</sup></a> This means that the user will have to use a third-party security method if the user loses access to their iCloud account. When ADP is turned on, Apple suggests a contact of the iCloud account owner to be the "recovery contact." </p> <blockquote><p>"With Advanced Data Protection, Apple Notes can synchronize across devices without sacrificing privacy. Just be aware that a collaboration link is not end-to-end encrypted if the intended recipient disables that feature."<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:24" href="#fn:24"><sup>24</sup></a></p></blockquote> <p>"Without ADP enabled, this data is still encrypted, which adds a strong layer of protection from third parties or bad actors. But Apple can still access this data and turn it over to the cops," reported <i><a href="/facts/Wired_(magazine)/RQb6gcyf">Wired</a></i> about ADP. "End-to-end encryption closes that loophole. If an Apple employee decides to go rogue, or Apple gets hacked and your files get leaked, and neither of those scenarios have happened, to our knowledge, ADP will ensure your data is still safe."<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:25" href="#fn:25"><sup>25</sup></a> </p> <h3>Disabled for new users in the United Kingdom</h3> <p>On 7 February 2025, <i><a href="/facts/The_Washington_Post/dRvzvqJc">The Washington Post</a></i> reported that in January 2025, "<a href="/facts/Home_Office/qY31Kvhl">the office of the Home Secretary</a> has served Apple with a document called a technical capability notice, ordering it to provide access under the sweeping <a href="/facts/Investigatory_Powers_Act_2016/TfuH5zQT">U.K. Investigatory Powers Act of 2016</a>", that Apple create a "<a href="/facts/Backdoor_(computing)/4Vry8CKE">backdoor</a>" to access data protected under ADP.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:26" href="#fn:26"><sup>26</sup></a> On 21 February 2025, Advanced Data Protection was disabled for new users in the United Kingdom, with existing users' access to be disabled at a future date.<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:27" href="#fn:27"><sup>27</sup></a> </p> <blockquote><p>"If a U.K. user has not already signed up for Advanced Data Protection, they will not be able to as of February 21, Apple said...Apple said existing users will need to disable the feature manually to continue using iCloud...Other end-to-end encrypted applications and services from Apple, such as iCloud Keychain, Health, iMessage, and FaceTime, will not change."<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:28" href="#fn:28"><sup>28</sup></a></p></blockquote> <blockquote><p>"The company stressed that while the withdrawal affects nine iCloud data categories—such as iCloud Backup, iCloud Drive, Photos, and Notes; the 14 categories that are encrypted by default, including iCloud Keychain and Health data, remain protected. Apple said it cannot disable ADP automatically for these users. Instead, UK users will be given a period of time to disable the feature themselves to keep using their iCloud account."<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:29" href="#fn:29"><sup>29</sup></a></p></blockquote> <blockquote><p>"iCloud file backups, photos, notes, and voice memos are among the data types that will no longer be encrypted."<a class="footnote-ref" id="fnref:30" href="#fn:30"><sup>30</sup></a></p></blockquote> <h2 id="see-also">See also</h2> <ul><li><i><a href="/facts/Epic_Games_v._Apple/vaJgBpYd">Epic Games v. Apple</a></i></li></ul> <h2 id="external-links">External links</h2> <ul><li><a href="https://www.apple.com/in/privacy/">Privacy</a> at Apple</li> <li><a href="https://developer.apple.com/videos/play/ecosystem/">Ecosystem</a> at Apple Developer</li></ul> <h2 id="references">References</h2> <ol> <li id="fn:1"><p>"The Apple Ecosystem". AppleMagazine. 2018-03-14. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://applemagazine.com/the-apple-ecosystem/36702" target="_blank">https://applemagazine.com/the-apple-ecosystem/36702</a> <a href="#fnref:1" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:2"><p>Ricker, Thomas (2016-09-07). "Apple's greatest innovation is its ecosystem". The Verge. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/7/12828846/apple-s-greatest-product-is-its-ecosystem" target="_blank">https://www.theverge.com/2016/9/7/12828846/apple-s-greatest-product-is-its-ecosystem</a> <a href="#fnref:2" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:3"><p>"Apple's new privacy features may finally trigger a more transparent tech ecosystem". CityAM. 2021-03-06. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://www.cityam.com/apples-new-privacy-features-may-finally-trigger-a-more-transparent-tech-ecosystem/" target="_blank">https://www.cityam.com/apples-new-privacy-features-may-finally-trigger-a-more-transparent-tech-ecosystem/</a> <a href="#fnref:3" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:4"><p>""It's the ecosystem, stupid"*". The Mac Security Blog. 2019-01-11. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/its-the-ecosystem-stupid/" target="_blank">https://www.intego.com/mac-security-blog/its-the-ecosystem-stupid/</a> <a href="#fnref:4" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:5"><p>Alvarez, Paul (2019-10-30). "The Apple Ecosystem Trap". Medium. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://techuisite.com/the-apple-ecosystem-trap-41fa97089f7f" target="_blank">https://techuisite.com/the-apple-ecosystem-trap-41fa97089f7f</a> <a href="#fnref:5" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:6"><p>Patel, Nilay (2018-02-06). "Apple HomePod review: locked in". The Verge. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/6/16976906/apple-homepod-review-smart-speaker" target="_blank">https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/6/16976906/apple-homepod-review-smart-speaker</a> <a href="#fnref:6" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:7"><p>"HomePod review: If you're deep into the Apple ecosystem, this is the smart speaker for you". financialpost. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://financialpost.com/technology/personal-tech/apple-homepod-review-if-youre-deep-into-the-apple-ecosystem-this-is-the-smart-speaker-for-you" target="_blank">https://financialpost.com/technology/personal-tech/apple-homepod-review-if-youre-deep-into-the-apple-ecosystem-this-is-the-smart-speaker-for-you</a> <a href="#fnref:7" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:8"><p>Why Apple Takes Privacy Seriously, 3 May 2021, retrieved 2021-05-05 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-F1Mmy7hiI" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-F1Mmy7hiI</a> <a href="#fnref:8" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:9"><p>Gartenberg, Chaim (2021-04-27). "Why Apple's new privacy feature is such a big deal". The Verge. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/27/22405474/apple-app-tracking-transparency-ios-14-5-privacy-update-facebook-data" target="_blank">https://www.theverge.com/2021/4/27/22405474/apple-app-tracking-transparency-ios-14-5-privacy-update-facebook-data</a> <a href="#fnref:9" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:10"><p>Samantha Murphy Kelly (26 April 2021). "Apple's major privacy change is here. What you need to know". CNN. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/26/tech/apple-tracking-transparency-feature/index.html" target="_blank">https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/26/tech/apple-tracking-transparency-feature/index.html</a> <a href="#fnref:10" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:11"><p>Brookes, Tim (May 2021). "How Apple's AirTags Prevent Stalkers from Tracking You". How-To Geek. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://www.howtogeek.com/725588/how-apples-airtags-prevent-stalkers-from-tracking-you/" target="_blank">https://www.howtogeek.com/725588/how-apples-airtags-prevent-stalkers-from-tracking-you/</a> <a href="#fnref:11" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:12"><p>"Apple's app store goes on trial in threat to 'walled garden'". NBC News. 3 May 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/apples-app-store-goes-trial-threat-walled-garden-rcna813" target="_blank">https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/apples-app-store-goes-trial-threat-walled-garden-rcna813</a> <a href="#fnref:12" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:13"><p>Sherr, Ian. "Apple's 'walled garden' walls will get even higher with iOS 14, iPadOS 14 and MacOS Big Sur". CNET. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-walled-garden-walls-will-get-even-higher-with-ios-14-ipados-14-macos-big-sur/" target="_blank">https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-walled-garden-walls-will-get-even-higher-with-ios-14-ipados-14-macos-big-sur/</a> <a href="#fnref:13" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:14"><p>"HomePod review: If you're deep into the Apple ecosystem, this is the smart speaker for you". financialpost. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://financialpost.com/technology/personal-tech/apple-homepod-review-if-youre-deep-into-the-apple-ecosystem-this-is-the-smart-speaker-for-you" target="_blank">https://financialpost.com/technology/personal-tech/apple-homepod-review-if-youre-deep-into-the-apple-ecosystem-this-is-the-smart-speaker-for-you</a> <a href="#fnref:14" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:15"><p>Alvarez, Paul (2019-10-30). "The Apple Ecosystem Trap". Medium. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://techuisite.com/the-apple-ecosystem-trap-41fa97089f7f" target="_blank">https://techuisite.com/the-apple-ecosystem-trap-41fa97089f7f</a> <a href="#fnref:15" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:16"><p>Patel, Nilay (2018-02-06). "Apple HomePod review: locked in". The Verge. Retrieved 2021-05-05. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/6/16976906/apple-homepod-review-smart-speaker" target="_blank">https://www.theverge.com/2018/2/6/16976906/apple-homepod-review-smart-speaker</a> <a href="#fnref:16" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:17"><p>"Apple advances user security with powerful new data protections". Apple.com. 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 February 2025. <a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/12/apple-advances-user-security-with-powerful-new-data-protections/" target="_blank">https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2022/12/apple-advances-user-security-with-powerful-new-data-protections/</a> <a href="#fnref:17" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:18"><p>Klosowski, Thorin (17 May 2023). "How to Enable Advanced Data Protection on iOS, and Why You Should". Electronic Frontier Foundation. Retrieved 22 February 2025. <a href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/05/how-enable-advanced-data-protection-ios-and-why-you-should" target="_blank">https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/05/how-enable-advanced-data-protection-ios-and-why-you-should</a> <a href="#fnref:18" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:19"><p>"iCloud Advanced Data Protection: Implications for Forensic Extraction". belkasoft.com. Retrieved 22 February 2025. <a href="https://belkasoft.com/icloud-advanced-data-protection" target="_blank">https://belkasoft.com/icloud-advanced-data-protection</a> <a href="#fnref:19" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:20"><p>"What is iCloud Advanced Data Protection? New Apple end-to-end encryption feature explained". Trusted Reviews. 7 December 2022. Retrieved 22 February 2025. <a href="https://www.trustedreviews.com/explainer/what-is-icloud-advanced-data-protection-new-apple-end-to-end-encryption-feature-explained-4288759" target="_blank">https://www.trustedreviews.com/explainer/what-is-icloud-advanced-data-protection-new-apple-end-to-end-encryption-feature-explained-4288759</a> <a href="#fnref:20" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:21"><p>Gray, Jeremy (Dec 8, 2022). "Apple introduces advanced security features, including end-to-end encryption for iCloud photos". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 22 February 2025. <a href="https://www.dpreview.com/news/6812035888/apple-introduces-advanced-security-features-including-end-to-end-encryption-for-icloud-photos" target="_blank">https://www.dpreview.com/news/6812035888/apple-introduces-advanced-security-features-including-end-to-end-encryption-for-icloud-photos</a> <a href="#fnref:21" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:22"><p>Smith, Chris; Adorno, José (8 December 2022). "How to add end-to-end encryption to your iCloud backups". Boy Genius Report. <a href="https://bgr.com/tech/how-to-add-end-to-end-encryption-to-your-icloud-backups/" target="_blank">https://bgr.com/tech/how-to-add-end-to-end-encryption-to-your-icloud-backups/</a> <a href="#fnref:22" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:23"><p>"Use Advanced Data Protection for your iCloud data". Apple Support. 7 February 2025. Retrieved 7 February 2025. <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/iphone/iph584ea27f5/ios" target="_blank">https://support.apple.com/en-ie/guide/iphone/iph584ea27f5/ios</a> <a href="#fnref:23" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:24"><p>Pham, Kevin (3 September 2024). "How plausible is iCloud security on Apple devices?". Freedom of the Press. Retrieved 22 February 2025. Updated Feb. 13, 2025 <a href="https://freedom.press/digisec/blog/icloud-security/" target="_blank">https://freedom.press/digisec/blog/icloud-security/</a> <a href="#fnref:24" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:25"><p>Nield, David (11 March 2024). "How Apple's Advanced Data Protection Works, and How to Enable It on Your iPhone". Wired. Retrieved 7 February 2025. <a href="https://www.wired.com/story/how-apple-advanced-data-protection-works-and-how-to-turn-it-on/" target="_blank">https://www.wired.com/story/how-apple-advanced-data-protection-works-and-how-to-turn-it-on/</a> <a href="#fnref:25" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:26"><p>"U.K. orders Apple to let it spy on users' encrypted accounts". Washington Post. 7 February 2025. Archived from the original on 10 February 2025. Retrieved 22 February 2025. <a href="https://archive.today/20250210125416/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/02/07/apple-encryption-backdoor-uk/" target="_blank">https://archive.today/20250210125416/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2025/02/07/apple-encryption-backdoor-uk/</a> <a href="#fnref:26" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:27"><p>Kleinman, Zoe (21 February 2025). "Apple pulls data protection tool after UK government security row". BBC News. Retrieved 21 February 2025. <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgj54eq4vejo" target="_blank">https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgj54eq4vejo</a> <a href="#fnref:27" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:28"><p>Crouse, Megan (21 February 2025). "Apple Breaks Silence on UK Probe, Removes Data Protection Tool From UK Users". TechRepublic. Retrieved 22 February 2025. <a href="https://www.techrepublic.com/article/apple-advanced-data-protection-removed-uk/" target="_blank">https://www.techrepublic.com/article/apple-advanced-data-protection-removed-uk/</a> <a href="#fnref:28" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:29"><p>Naraine, Ryan (21 February 2025). "Apple Pulls Advanced Data Protection for New UK Users Amid Backdoor Demand". SecurityWeek. Retrieved 22 February 2025. <a href="https://www.securityweek.com/apple-pulls-advanced-data-protection-for-new-uk-users-amid-backdoor-demand/" target="_blank">https://www.securityweek.com/apple-pulls-advanced-data-protection-for-new-uk-users-amid-backdoor-demand/</a> <a href="#fnref:29" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> <li id="fn:30"><p>Preston, Dominic (21 February 2025). "Apple pulls encryption feature from UK over government spying demands". The Verge. Retrieved 22 February 2025. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/617273/apple-removes-encryption-advanced-data-protection-adp-uk-spying-backdoor" target="_blank">https://www.theverge.com/news/617273/apple-removes-encryption-advanced-data-protection-adp-uk-spying-backdoor</a> <a href="#fnref:30" class="footnote-back-ref">↩</a></p></li> </ol>