With the iPad Pro M4, Apple introduced a new privacy feature called “Secure Enclave”. It encrypts and protects sensitive data, such as biometric information or encryption keys, by isolating them from the rest of the system to ensure enhanced security against external threats. Secure Enclave also lets you know when your microphones and cameras are working (this already exists, but this time it will work differently). This revolutionary new feature for data and privacy protection will be available on the iPhone 16!
Apple continues its commitment to privacy
With the arrival of the iPhone 16, Apple continues to place the security and privacy of its users at the heart of its priorities. One of the major new features of this range is the integration of the Secure Enclave, an advanced security technology already present in iPads equipped with the M4 chip, and now also integrated into the new A18 chips of the iPhone 16.
What is Secure Enclave?
The Secure Enclave is a hardware component specifically designed to securely manage sensitive user data. This component is responsible for two main functions:
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- Control access to sensors such as cameras and microphones.
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- Secure storage of biometric data, including those used by Face ID, in a dedicated space that can only be accessed by the system, thus ensuring maximum protection.
Essential technology for user protection
On the M4 iPad Pros, the Secure Enclave plays a fundamental role in enhancing privacy. With it, camera and microphone usage indicators (the little lights that light up at the top of the screen when these sensors are activated) are managed directly by hardware, rather than software. This hardware management makes it much harder, if not impossible, for a malicious app to bypass these indicators or hijack access to the sensors without explicit permission.
This makes it much more difficult for unauthorized software to exploit the sensors, providing an additional layer of security to the Apple ecosystem.
Confirmation in iOS 18
Developers with access to the beta version of iOS 18 have also confirmed that the code reveals the presence of this Secure Enclave in the A18 chip of the new iPhone 16. This confirmation will strengthen users’ confidence in the protection of their most sensitive data.
The integration of the Secure Enclave in the iPhone 16 and iPad Pro M4 further demonstrates Apple’s commitment to security and privacy. This technology, by securely managing access to sensors and storing biometric data in a secure space, promises to further protect users against threats.
