ICloud+ Features: 3 Hidden Benefits
- Apple has rolled out several privacy-focused features for iCloud+ subscribers in recent years, underscoring that the service is more than just a storage solution.
- For users concerned about online privacy, taking advantage of iCloud's Private Relay, Hide My Email and Advanced Data Protection can provide additional security.
- Introduced in 2021,iCloud Private Relay functions as a sort of mini-VPN for Safari users on iPhones,iPads and Macs.
ICloud+ isn’t just about storage; it’s a privacy powerhouse. Subscribers unlock enhanced security through features like Private Relay, acting as a mini-VPN for encrypted browsing, and Hide My Email, which generates unique addresses to shield your primary inbox. Advanced Data Protection adds another layer,encrypting nearly all iCloud services. These tools give you control over your data, limiting tracking and boosting online safety. As a News Directory 3 user, you should know about these key iCloud+ advantages! Are there even better protections on the horizon? Discover what’s next for iCloud+ users.
Apple iCloud+ subscribers can enhance privacy with key features
Updated June 6, 2025
Apple has rolled out several privacy-focused features for iCloud+ subscribers in recent years, underscoring that the service is more than just a storage solution.
For users concerned about online privacy, taking advantage of iCloud’s Private Relay, Hide My Email and Advanced Data Protection can provide additional security.
iCloud Private Relay
Introduced in 2021,iCloud Private Relay functions as a sort of mini-VPN for Safari users on iPhones,iPads and Macs. The service encrypts DNS queries and HTTP traffic, routing it through an Apple proxy. The user’s IP address is stripped, though regional data is retained, before being sent through a second proxy en route to the destination website.
While Private Relay is limited to Safari, it shields users from websites that may attempt to create profiles based on browsing activity. It is indeed available to all iCloud+ subscribers, with plans starting at 99 cents per month.
Hide My Email
also launched in 2021,Hide My Email allows iCloud+ subscribers to create unique,single-use email addresses when signing up for websites,email lists or other services.
This feature prevents personal email addresses from being sold to data brokers and used for spam.Users can also terminate or reactivate these addresses at any time, providing greater control over their inbox.
Hide My Email offers a convenient, privacy-focused approach to email management.
Advanced Data Protection
While Apple emphasizes the privacy aspects of its products, Advanced Data Protection brings end-to-end encryption to nearly all iCloud services.
With end-to-end encryption, Apple cannot decrypt user data, even if compelled. Only the user holds the key to unlock their iCloud facts.However, if the recovery key is lost, the data is unrecoverable.
Enabling Advanced Data Protection means that categories such as iCloud Backups, iMessage texts and Photos are inaccessible to Apple.
What’s next
apple is expected to continue expanding its privacy offerings for iCloud+ subscribers, with potential enhancements to existing features and the introduction of new tools to protect user data.