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Apple is pushing back against the UK government’s plan to update its Investigatory Powers Act, which lets police and spy agencies secretly access private messages. The tech giant argues that these changes, especially those affecting encryption—the tech that keeps our online chats safe—shouldn’t happen behind closed doors. Instead, Apple wants the public to have a say.

The UK says the updates are needed to catch criminals and protect people, but Apple warns that weakening encryption could harm everyone’s privacy. If companies like Apple are forced to unlock messages for the government, hackers or other bad actors might find ways to break in too. This could put sensitive info, like bank details or personal talks, at risk.

Apple points out that it already works with law enforcement when asked, but only within clear rules that respect user privacy. The company fears the new law might give the government too much power to snoop without anyone knowing. For example, the rules could force tech firms to change their apps secretly, leaving users in the dark.

The company’s stance is simple: encryption keeps us safe online, and any changes to it should be open for debate. Apple’s not alone—other tech players and privacy groups agree that hidden changes are a bad idea. They’re calling for the UK to let people weigh in before rushing ahead.

This isn’t just a UK issue. How this plays out could affect privacy laws worldwide. Apple’s urging the government to slow down, talk it out, and make sure the public’s voice is heard. After all, it’s our data on the line.

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) shared its final thoughts on Wednesday about the mobile browser market in the country. The group says Apple’s rules are the main reason why competition and new ideas are being held back.

The CMA’s team found that Apple forces all browsers on iPhones and iPads to use its WebKit engine. This stops other browsers from adding special features or running better, even if they work well on other systems. It’s a big roadblock for companies trying to stand out.

The report also highlights other Apple habits that cause trouble. For example, Safari gets special perks on iOS that other browsers don’t. Apple also limits how browsing works inside apps and makes Safari the go-to browser pre-installed on every iPhone.

Google got some attention, too, for putting Chrome on Android phones from the start. But the CMA said Apple’s limits hurt competition more. They also pointed out a big money deal where Google pays Apple billions each year to stay the default search engine on iPhones. This setup makes it less likely for them to compete.

Since the CMA’s early report last November, both companies have made some changes. Apple’s December update, for instance, made it a bit easier for users to pick a different browser. The CMA says these steps help a little but don’t fix everything.

To solve the bigger problems, the CMA suggests ideas like letting other browser engines work on iOS, adding a screen during setup to pick a browser (like in the EU), and putting limits on the Google-Apple search deal. These aren’t rules yet—the CMA is still checking if Apple and Google should get a “strategic market status” label under a new UK law. That decision, due later this year, could let the CMA set tougher rules and fines up to 10% of the companies’ yearly earnings.

The report also wrapped up a look at cloud gaming. After Apple tweaked its App Store rules, the CMA decided no more action was needed there. This comes as regulators in places like the European Union and the United States also dig into mobile browser fairness.

Apple just showed off pictures of its updated shop at Trafford Centre, a big mall near Manchester in the United Kingdom. The Manchester store has a fresh look with plenty of wooden touches. It includes a Genius Bar and Apple Pickup area, with counters at different heights to make things easier for everyone. There’s also a spot to sit and try out the Apple Vision Pro, a big screen on the back wall, and other cool features.

This isn’t the first Apple shop at Trafford Centre—it originally opened back in 2005. The new version was welcomed by customers on March 1. Meanwhile, designer Filip Chudzinski noticed Apple’s announcement about a brand-new shop coming to Crocker Park, an open-air shopping spot in a Cleveland, Ohio suburb. Apple hasn’t picked an exact opening day yet.

“Get excited!” says the Crocker Park store page. “Something awesome is on the way. A fresh Apple shop will open soon.”

The new Crocker Park location should be bigger and more up-to-date than the first one there, which started welcoming visitors in 2008. Apple fans in both the UK and Ohio have plenty to look forward to with these shiny, modern stores!

Apple recently made changes to its support page for a new tool that lets users move purchases between Apple Accounts. The EU and UK are no longer left out, meaning people there can now use it. The only place still missing out is India, where the tool isn’t available yet.

This purchase transfer tool came out earlier this month. It helps shift purchases, like apps or iTunes goodies, from one Apple Account to another. To use it, you need an iPhone or iPad signed into two accounts at once—one for iCloud and another for the App Store.

For some folks, this tool has worked like a charm. They’ve successfully moved their App Store and iTunes buys to the account they like better. Sadly, I’m not one of them. Still, I’ve managed with two accounts for 15 years—what’s a few more, right?

Anyway, if you’re in the EU or UK, you can now give this a shot. The support page lays out all the steps and rules you need to follow to make it work. It’s got a bunch of details, so check it out if you’re thinking of switching things over. The tool’s a handy option for anyone wanting to tidy up their accounts or bring everything under one roof. Just be ready to jump through a few hoops to get it done!

The British government has quietly asked Apple to give it full access to every user’s encrypted data stored in the cloud, according to The Washington Post. This secret directive reportedly came last month, compelling Apple to design a backdoor allowing UK security agencies to access encrypted user data around the world. This is a demand that has never been made in any other democratic nation.

The order was delivered via a “technical capability notice” under the UK’s 2016 Investigatory Powers Act (IPA), which critics call the “Snooper’s Charter.” This law allows law enforcement to force companies to assist in gathering evidence.

Apple has not commented on this issue. The law makes it illegal for Apple to even acknowledge such a demand from the government. Similarly, the Home Office declined to confirm or deny the existence of such notices, stating it does not discuss operational details.

A consultant who advises the US on encryption issues said Apple would not be able to inform users that their encryption is no longer secure. A former White House security advisor verified the UK’s order.

Apple Might Stop UK iCloud Services Over Privacy Concerns

There’s talk that Apple might pull its encrypted storage service from the UK rather than weaken the privacy promises it made to its users. However, this wouldn’t stop the UK from accessing the service in other countries. Apple has hinted before that it might withdraw services like FaceTime and iMessage from the UK if privacy is compromised. Apple’s Advanced Data Protection, introduced in 2022, allows users to encrypt additional data categories like Photos and Notes, keeping them private even from Apple.

Google, on the other hand, has made encryption standard for Android backups since 2018. When asked if any government had asked for a backdoor, Google responded that they can’t access encrypted backup data, even with a legal order.

How to Secure Your iCloud Data

The IPA was revised in 2023 to let the Home Office potentially ban certain encrypted services. Apple criticized these changes as excessive government control, suggesting they could prevent new security features from being offered globally.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has always argued against providing backdoors, stating it would invite criminals to access user data. Cybersecurity experts agree, warning that any backdoor could be exploited. Apple’s resistance was notable in 2016 when they fought and won against a US order to unlock an iPhone.

With increasing cyber threats from state actors, like those from China, US officials are now more focused on cybersecurity than ever, promoting encryption to protect communications. Privacy advocates, like Big Brother Watch, argue that such measures won’t make the UK safer and will instead undermine basic rights and freedoms.

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