Apple’s Advanced Data Protection: Why UK Users Are Still Waiting

Apple’s Advanced Data Protection (ADP) promised something simple but vital: end-to-end encryption of iCloud data, leaving even Apple locked out. In the UK, that promise was stripped back after the government leaned on legislation. Months later, even after the official backdoor request was dropped, ADP still hasn’t returned. Here’s where things stand.

Timeline

• January 2025 – The UK Home Office issues a Technical Capability Notice (TCN) under the Investigatory Powers Act. Apple is told to weaken ADP by creating a “backdoor” into iCloud.
• February 2025 – Apple disables ADP for new UK accounts. Existing users are told they’ll need to eventually disable it to keep using iCloud services.
• March 2025 – Apple challenges the demand at the Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT), the only court in the UK that can review secret government orders of this kind.
• August 2025 – The UK formally withdraws its specific demand for a backdoor. Confirmation comes via the US Director of National Intelligence. Digital rights groups warn: the powers still exist; the government just chose not to enforce them this time.
• September 2025 – ADP is still not available again in the UK. Apple remains silent on when – or if – it will be restored.

Why Apple Hasn’t Turned It Back On

1. The Law Still Stands
   The Investigatory Powers Act hasn’t changed. The government can still issue another TCN at any time. Apple can’t simply flick the switch back on without risking another forced shutdown.
2. Legal Case Still in Motion
   Apple’s challenge at the IPT is ongoing. Until the tribunal rules, Apple has no legal certainty. Restoring ADP before a decision could leave them back in the same fight.
3. Caution Over Commitments
   Apple is known for keeping a hard line on security features, but it also doesn’t gamble. A rushed reinstatement could undermine its legal arguments and credibility if the government strikes again.

What It Means for UK Users

Right now, UK customers are in limbo. ADP remains available in most countries, but not here. Even though the government backed down from its immediate request, the bigger problem is unresolved: the UK still has the legal power to demand surveillance access.

Until either Parliament reforms the Investigatory Powers Act or the IPT delivers a clear ruling in Apple’s favour, ADP is unlikely to quietly reappear for UK users.

Final Word

The UK government may have backed down once, but the machinery to force companies like Apple to compromise encryption remains. Apple’s silence isn’t neglect, it’s strategy. They’ll wait for clarity from the courts before giving British users what the rest of the world already has: full control of their own iCloud data.