Apple iCloud with Advanced Data Protection review

For Apple users, the most private cloud may be the one already on their phone. By default iCloud uses standard data protection, where Apple holds the keys for most data and only 15 categories, including Health and iCloud Keychain, are end-to-end encrypted. Turning on Advanced Data Protection raises that to 25 categories and adds iCloud Backup, Photos, Notes and more, so trusted devices keep sole access to the keys. Apple says this data stays secure even in a cloud data breach. The setting has been available since iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2 and macOS 13.1. Prices are the lowest here, with 50 GB at $0.99 a month in the US. The trade-offs are real: the feature is off by default, Apple cannot help recover data if you lose access, so you need a recovery contact or key, and it is designed for Apple hardware rather than mixed Windows or Android homes.

Who it is for

iPhone, iPad and Mac owners who want encrypted backups and photos without a separate app.

Price

5 GB free; iCloud+ 50 GB $0.99, 200 GB $2.99, 2 TB $9.99, 6 TB $29.99 and 12 TB $59.99 per month in the US.

United States 4 (USD) $0.99 $2.99 $9.99 $29.99 $59.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Advanced Data Protection raises end-to-end encrypted categories from 15 to 25
• Covers iCloud Backup, Photos, Notes and more
• Available from iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2 and macOS 13.1
• Recovery through device passcode, recovery contact or recovery key
• 5 GB free, iCloud+ plans from 50 GB to 12 TB

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The cheapest paid tier on this list at $0.99 a month
• Strength: Encrypts phone backups, which other services do not handle
• Strength: No extra app needed on Apple devices
• Weakness: Off by default and must be turned on
• Weakness: Apple cannot help recover data if you lose access
• Weakness: Built for Apple devices, with limited use elsewhere

Key facts

• Free storage: 5 GB
• Encrypted categories: 25 with Advanced Data Protection
• Requires: iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2 or macOS 13.1
• Cheapest US plan: $0.99 for 50 GB

Where it ranks

Apple iCloud with Advanced Data Protection is No. 4 in our Best Encrypted Cloud Storage verdict.