Neil Hughes
Paid iCloud subscriptions will soon have access to an enhanced iCloud+ feature, including a Private Relay VPN, a new Hide My Email capability, and support for unlimited secure HomeKit video cameras.
Apple said iCloud paid subscriptions will include iCloud+ when it launches later this year, and at no extra cost, with the same iCloud pricing today.
The new Private Relay feature essentially acts as a VPN, allowing users to browse with Safari more securely and privately. Apple noted that network providers and websites combine users' identities and browsing history to develop a profile, which Private Relay will help prevent.
Using Private Relay, traffic leaving a user's device is encrypted and sent through two internet relays. With this, no one — including Apple — will see who a user is or what websites they are visiting.
The new Hide My Email feature will be built into Mail, Safari, and iCloud settings, allowing users to set up as many temporary email addresses as they need and delete them at any time.
iCloud+ will also offer built-in support for HomeKit secure video cameras, allowing users to connect unlimited cameras. And any recordings saved to iCloud+ will not count against a user's iCloud storage.
Apple's iCloud service will also continue to offer photos, backup, and iCloud Drive, just as it does today for the same price. The iCloud+ add-on will be for paid subscribers at the same price.
Follow all of WWDC 2021 with comprehensive AppleInsider coverage of the week-long event from June 7 through June 11, including details on iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, macOS Monterey and more.
Stay on top of all Apple news right from your HomePod. Say, "Hey, Siri, play AppleInsider," and you'll get the latest AppleInsider Podcast. Or ask your HomePod mini for "AppleInsider Daily" instead and you'll hear a fast update direct from our news team. And, if you're interested in Apple-centric home automation, say "Hey, Siri, play HomeKit Insider," and you'll be listening to our newest specialized podcast in moments.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
20 Comments
Hide my email will be a useful feature I don't currently have.
Heh - Apple just Sherlocked VPN providers - many of which are pretty sketchy in and of themselves :p
need to learn more details about this. would this feature be available in China? And is it limited to only safari?
First time in years that I am finally excited about the new things Apple is bringing. More tech leadership & cross platform apps too, which is great.