Weekend good reads for Apple developers #2023/4

Weekend is coming with several great reads this time. Let's dive in!

This is a lot for a weekend, so choose wisely. :)

Apple publishes RC for iOS 16.2 and other platforms

Following the announcement of new security features, Apple publishes RC for its platforms supporting the Advanced Data Protection for iCloud.

Notably, new Xcode RC is also published.

Other notable feature in this RC is recently announced Apple Music Sing – karaoke-like mode where users could sign along with Apple Music songs.

AirDrop will now limit access setting "Everyone" to 10 minutes for all users, and not just China as it was in previous beta.

Beta download: Operating Systems

Release notes:

Apple Newsroom: Apple introduces Apple Music Sing

References:

Apple announces new security measures for iMessage, Apple ID and iCloud

Apple announces new security features coming this and next year. These include iMessage public key notifications, Apple ID hardware security keys and end-to-end encryption for more iCloud data.

iMessage Contact Key Verification

iMessage will now notify when your contact's public key is changed (which could be a result of unwanted new device being added to the account). With this feature it will be easier to catch the moment when somebody is eavesdropping on the conversation.

This feature to become generally available in 2023 worldwide.

Security Keys for Apple ID

Apple will provide support for hardware security keys for Apple ID authentication. This might provide extra security measure for those who need better protection for their data.

This feature will be available in early 2023 worldwide.

Advanced Data Protection for iCloud

Apple adds end-to-end encryption to more iCloud data types, including Notes and iCloud Backups. Major data types not yet covered by end-to-end encryption are Mail, Contacts and Calendars.

Notable, data protection for iCloud is opt-on feature, so users have to enable it themselves.

This feature is available in the US today in beta, and should be available for general users in US later in 2022. Worldwide rollout is expected in early 2023. 

Apple Newsroom: Apple advances user security with powerful new data protections