What about Advanced Data Protection using a mixed OS landscape?

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What about Advanced Data Protection using a mixed OS landscape?

It is perfectly clear that Advanced Data Protection storing the keys locally and extending the categories of data, only on user devices can only be enabled using iOS/iPadOS 16.2+ or macOS 13.1+.

However, this affects data in rest in iCloud that can be downloaded to a variety of devices.

Will devices that cannot be upgraded but the OS still receive security updates like iOS/iPadOS 15.x, macOS 11+ or a Windows client still be able to decrypt the data?

Posted on Dec 10, 2022 12:47 AM

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Answer 1

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Shannon_DN

Community Specialist

Dec 22, 2022 3:15 PM in response to mriw

Hello mriw,

Thank you for posting in Apple Support Communities.

You will not be able to use Advanced Data Protection on older devices that are not capable of running the required operating system. In fact, when trying to turn on Advanced Data Protection, you will be required to remove any devices that do not meet the requirements before it can be turned on. You will only be able to login on devices that meet the minimum requirements. You can learn more about that here: How to turn on Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

Kindest regards.

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Answer 2

lexOS1

Community Specialist

Dec 12, 2022 3:04 PM in response to mriw

Hi mriw,

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities. It looks like you came from this support article: iCloud data security overview - Apple Support

If you would like to leave feedback for Apple on this, here is where you can do so: Product Feedback - Apple

Have a great day.

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Answer 3

mriw Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 23, 2022 2:47 AM in response to Shannon_DN

Hi Shannon,

If I understand correctly, with an AppleID-Account with registered devices older than iOS/iPadOS 16.2 or macOS 13.1 it's not possible to activate Advanced Data Protection.

Thanks for sharing the link to an article that clarifies this matter.

"Updated software on all of the devices where you're signed in with your Apple ID"

The article I referenced doesn't mention this at all, which lead to some confusion for others, who upvoted my question, and myself.

Apple should be more transparent in all articles about this feature and the limitations, when having some mixed OS landscape.

Thanks for the clarification.

Seasonal greetings

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Answer 4

mriw Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 22, 2022 2:50 PM in response to lexOS1

The article doesn't answer the question I asked at all!

Providing Product Feedback won't help either!

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What about Advanced Data Protection using a mixed OS landscape?

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