Apple launches a big update that makes your iPhone backups more secure. Here’s how to turn it on
iCloud+
Source: Apple
Apple just released software updates for iPhone, iPad and Macs that will help keep your information stored on the company’s servers even more private.
For the first time ever, you can encrypt Apple Photos, Notes and iCloud backups — including iMessage conversations — that are kept in the cloud. That’s thanks to an optional end-to-end encryption setting called Advanced Data Protection.
Apple’s encryption scrambles your data into code that you need a key to decipher, and now the key for backups only exists on your device — not in Apple’s data centers.
If you opt-in, most of what you upload to iCloud will only be accessible to you. And in the event of a hack of Apple’s iCloud, most of your data would be protected, according to a statement Apple released on Dec. 7.
Apple can’t even access the data when it’s stored on the company’s servers. And law enforcement with a warrant wouldn’t be able to access it either, which has caused friction between Apple and the FBI.
Since Apple will no longer have the keys to recover your data, you’ll need to set up an alternative recovery method like a Recovery Contact or a Recovery Key in case you lose access to your account. In other words, once you set up Advanced Data Protection, you will be responsible for recovering your data in the event you lose your device. No more going to the Genius Bar to restore a backup in the event of a cloud emergency.
Here’s how to set up end-to-end encryption for your iPhone’s iCloud backups.
How to set up end-to-end encryption for iPhone
Before you begin, make sure your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac and HomePods are all updated to the latest software. On an iPhone, which needs to be updated to iOS 16.2 first, you can do this by opening Settings and then tapping General > Software updates. Your phone will download the update and will require a restart before it’s finished.
- Now that everything is updated, go to Settings > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection.
- Tap ‘Account Recovery’ or ‘Advanced Data Protection’ to proceed.
- A notification will pop up, letting you know you’re responsible for your data recovery.
- Tap ‘Set Up Account Recovery.’
- This will prompt you to add a recovery contact (or generate a recovery key, but more on that next.) Apple suggests choosing someone you trust to help you regain access to your account. Remember: Apple won’t have any access to let you back in.
- Next, you’ll be asked to send a message to that recovery contact, letting them know they’ve been selected. The person you’ve asked will have to approve the request.
- The other option, if you don’t want to trust someone else with all of your iCloud data, is to set up a recovery key. This is a 28-character code that you’ll have to keep in a safe place so you can recover your backups.
- Next, you’ll be asked to verify your recovery key by retyping it in. Once you’ve done so, your recovery key will be enabled.
- Once you turn on Advanced Data Protection, you’ll have to enter your iPhone password to enable it.
That’s it! Just remember: If you don’t have your Recovery Key stored in a safe place, or your Recovery Contact set up, your data is as good as gone.
The C3.ai logo is seen near a computer motherboard in this illustration taken on Jan. 8, 2024.
Dado Ruvic | Reuters
Shares of the enterprise artificial intelligence company C3 AI fell 14% in extended trading on Wednesday after it announced fiscal first-quarter results and the appointment of Stephen Ehikian as its new CEO.
C3 AI reported $70.3 million in revenue for the quarter, down from $87.2 million during the same period last year. The company’s GAAP net loss widened to an 86-cent loss from a 50-cent loss a year ago.
Ehikian is a long-time tech executive who built two companies that were both acquired by Salesforce, C3 AI said. C3 AI said Ehikian assumed the new role on Sept. 1.
C3 AI kicked off a search for a new chief executive in July after its former CEO, Thomas Siebel revealed that he was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease earlier this year that resulted in “significant visual impairment.”
“C3 AI is one of the most important companies in the AI landscape and enterprise software, with a platform and applications that are unmatched,” Ehikian said. “I am confident that we will be able to capture an increasing share of the immense market opportunity in Enterprise AI.”
The company has had a rocky few months since Siebel’s diagnosis.
Shares plunged in August after C3 AI announced disappointing preliminary financial results and a restructuring of its global sales and services organization.
Siebel said in an August statement that sales results during the quarter were “completely unacceptable.” He attributed the performance to the “disruptive effect” of the reorganization, as well as his ongoing health issues.
Marc Benioff, co-founder and CEO of Salesforce, sits for an interview in San Francisco on April 25, 2025.
David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Salesforce issued disappointing guidance on Wednesday, even as earnings and revenue topped estimates for the fiscal second quarter. The stock dropped 4% in extended trading.
Here’s how the company did in comparison with LSEG consensus:
- Earnings per share: $2.91 adjusted vs. $2.78 expected
- Revenue: $10.24 billion vs. $10.14 billion expected
Revenue increased 10% from $9.33 billion a year earlier, according to a statement. Net income rose to $1.89 billion, or $1.96 per share, from $1.43 billion, or $1.47 per share, a year ago.
For the fiscal third quarter, management called for $2.84 to $2.86 in adjusted earnings per share on $10.24 billion to $10.29 billion in revenue. Analysts polled by LSEG had been looking for $2.85 per share on $10.29 billion in revenue.
Salesforce maintained its full-year revenue outlook but now sees higher earnings. The company is targeting $11.33 to $11.37 in adjusted earnings per share on $41.1 billion to $41.3 billion in revenue. The consensus estimate from LSEG was $11.31 in earnings per share and $41.2 billion in revenue. The forecast in May included $11.27 to $11.33 in adjusted earnings per share.
Salesforce has fallen out of favor on Wall Street this year due to an extended stretch of meager revenue growth, which has been stuck in the single digits since mid-2024. While the company regularly touts its investments in artificial intelligence and the advancements in its software and systems, it hasn’t been lifted by the AI boom in the same way as many of its tech peers.
Going into Wednesday’s report, Salesforce was down 23% for the year, lagging behind all but one stock in the Dow and trailing all other large-cap tech companies.
The ratio of Salesforce’s enterprise value to its free cash flow has reached a 10-year low because of fears of disruption from AI, according to analysts at Jefferies, who have a buy rating on the stock. Salesforce is trying to counter the pressure by selling its Agentforce AI software that can automate the handling of customer service questions.
During the fiscal second quarter, Salesforce said it was planning to increase the cost of some products and announced its intent to acquire data management software company Informatica for $8 billion.
Executives will discuss the results with analysts on a conference call starting at 5 p.m. ET.
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