Apple adds end-to-end encryption to iCloud device backups and more

• The advanced data protection panel in iOS [credit: Apple ]

End-to-end encryption is coming to most of iCloud with a new optional feature called Advanced Data Protection, according to Apple's announcement on Wednesday.

Previously, 14 data categories within iCloud were protected. This new feature brings that count to 23, including photos, notes, voice memos, reminders, Safari bookmarks, and iCloud backups of the contents of your devices. Not everything is encrypted in this way, though. Critically, calendar and mail are untouched here. Apple says they are not covered "because of the need to interoperate with the global email, contacts, and calendar systems."

US-based participants in the Apple Beta Software Program can start using Advanced Data Protection today, and it will roll out to more Americans by year's end. If you're outside the US, you'll have to wait until sometime in 2023, Apple says.