After years of lobbying from privacy advocates, Apple is finally expanding end-to-end encryption for iCloud backups.

Apple's new Advanced Data Protection project will bring end-to-end encryption to backups, Photos and Notes — everything in iCloud other than email, calendars and contacts (which can't be end-to-end encrypted because of the need to interoperate with the global systems that provide these services).

The big upshot is that Apple will no longer be able to turn over unencrypted backups to law enforcement agencies.

The increased security also could complicate data recovery in cases where users have lost their passwords.

The setting is off by default, likely because Apple can currently help customers recover lost data using their iCloud backups. But as soon as the customer turns it on, Apple will no longer be able to help.

So keep those passwords secure and retrievable.

-- Leander Kahney, EIC.

Apple vastly expands iCloud data encryption with 3 security updates — www.cultofmac.com

Apple said Wednesday users are gaining three new security features to protect their data in the cloud, with some available now and some to come. The overall program is called Advanced Data Protection. The three new functions to help keep data and communications safe are iMessage Contact Key Verification, Security Keys for Apple ID and Advanced Data Protection for iCloud.

iOS 16.2 with Freeform, Apple Music Sing and more is just days away — www.cultofmac.com

Apple seeded the iOS 16.2 release candidate to developers on Wednesday, taking a huge step toward giving iPhone users access to the Freeform collaboration app, the recently announced Apple Music Sing and other new features.

Apple commits to buying chips from TSMC’s Arizona plant — www.cultofmac.com

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company also revealed that it will pour even more billions into Arizona by adding a second chip factory in the state.

Who knew a GaN charger could look this stylish and sophisticated? — www.cultofmac.com

So you think you’ve got style? Well, is your GaN charger decked out in Italian leather? We didn’t think so. But now it can be, if you order the powerful and stylish VogDUO 65-watt Slim GaN Charger.

Graphics breakthrough brings Linux on Apple silicon closer to reality — www.cultofmac.com

Independent developers working to get Linux running on Apple silicon just made a significant breakthrough — the release of the first graphics driver. This is an important step toward running operating systems other than macOS on Apple’s powerful new computers.

Apple TV+ nabs 10 Critics Choice Awards nominations — www.cultofmac.com

They include Best Drama Series nods for workplace psycho-drama Severance and dark comedy-drama Bad Sisters, plus Best Foreign Language Series noms for Pachinko and Tehran.

iPad 10 drops to its lowest price ahead of Christmas — www.cultofmac.com

Amazon’s latest deal cuts the iPad 10’s price to a much more reasonable $399, a sweet $50 off its retail price. This is the lowest price the tablet has been available for since its launch.

Today in Apple history: Apple's massive glass staircase wows Manhattan — www.cultofmac.com

On December 7, 2007, Apple opened a magisterial store on West 14th Street in New York City that featured a stunning three-story glass staircase.

Elderly Mac mini hangs with hot new MacBook Pro in web developer’s rig [Setups] — www.cultofmac.com

In today’s featured setup, a 2012 Mac mini shares the spotlight with a new 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro. Before you think, “Wow, the Mac mini must be amazing, competing with that sleek new laptop,” nah, this is more like take-your-great-grandfather-to-work day for the elderly little desktop machine.

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One more thing ...

"Good PR educates people; that's all it is. You can't con people in this business. The products speak for themselves." -- Steve Jobs, Playboy interview, 1985.