Apple strengthens privacy and security with several innovations

Apple announced its latest privacy and security innovations, including major updates to Safari Private Browsing, Communication Safety and Lockdown Mode, as well as app privacy improvements. Additionally, the company introduced new features designed with privacy and security at its core, including Check In, NameDrop, and Live Voicemail. These new initiatives are the latest manifestation of Apple's firm belief that privacy is a fundamental human right and that good privacy is built on strong security.

"We are focused on keeping our users in control of their data while continuing to deliver industry-leading privacy features and the world's best data security," said Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering. "This approach is evident in many of the features across our platforms, such as major updates to Safari Private Browsing and the expansion of Lockdown Mode."

Enhanced user control over the privacy of their data

With significant updates to Safari Private Browsing, Apple offers additional protection against web trackers and people who may have access to your device. In addition, access to photos has been improved, giving users the ability to share specific photos with apps while keeping the rest of the images in their library private. Similarly, we've introduced tracking protection for links in messages, email, and Safari Private Browsing. Finally, new tools have been introduced to provide developers with more insight into the data handling practices of third-party software development kits (SDKs), thus increasing protection against abuse.

Implementing security features to protect user data

Communication Safety, designed to warn minors when receiving or sending photos in Messages that contain nudity, now also covers video content. A new API allows developers to integrate Communication Safety directly into their apps. Additionally, updates to passwords and passkeys have been introduced to make sharing passwords easier and more secure, with the addition of an AutoFill option in Safari for unique verification codes received via Mail. Lockdown Mode has been extended to provide additional protections for those who may be targeted by mercenary spyware.

Introduction of additional features focused on privacy and security

Check In makes it easy for users to let friends or family know they have arrived safely at their destination. NameDrop, a new AirDrop experience, allows you to share your contact information with only the intended recipients. Live Voicemail makes it easier to know when to answer a telephone call by providing a real-time transcript of the message the caller is leaving. These features will be available in free software updates this fall.