Note: This comparison evaluates only the cryptographic aspect of messaging security, and therefore focuses on end-to-end encryption and quantum security. Such a comparison doesn’t include automatic key verification, which we believe is a critical protection for modern messaging apps. As of the time of this writing, only iMessage and WhatsApp provide automatic key verification. The iMessage implementation, called Contact Key Verification, isthe state of the art – it provides the broadest automatic protections and applies across all of a user’s devices. Apple on Wednesday announced the most significant cryptographic security upgrade in iMessage history with the introduction of PQ3, a groundbreaking post-quantum cryptographic protocol that advances the state of the art of end-to-end secure messaging. Apple Security Research: ‎ When…

iMessage is getting upgraded with post-quantum cryptography to fend off future hackers. Quantum computers might break current methods. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

Apple today announced a new post-quantum cryptographic protocol for iMessage called PQ3. Apple says this "groundbreaking" and "state-of-the-art" protocol provides "extensive defenses against even highly sophisticated quantum attacks." Apple believes the PQ3 protocol's protections "surpass those in all other widely deployed messaging apps," according to its blog post:Today we are announcing the most significant cryptographic security upgrade in iMessage history with the introduction of PQ3, a groundbreaking post-quantum cryptographic protocol that advances the state of the art of end-to-end secure messaging. With compromise-resilient encryption and extensive defenses against even highly sophisticated quantum attacks, PQ3 is the first messaging protocol to reach what we call Level 3 security — providing protocol protections that surpass those in all other widely deployed messaging…

Apple Music has become a cornerstone of the Apple ecosystem, offering a vast library of music, curated playlists, and personalized recommendations. However, one of the platform's most compelling features is its deep integration with other Apple services and devices. This seamless integration makes it easy to enjoy your favorite music across your Apple devices, providing a consistent and personalized listening experience. (more…)

Apple’s Messages icon The European Commission this week adopted decisions closing a market investigation that was launched on September 5, 2023 under the Digital Markets Act (DMA), finding that Apple should not be designated as a “gatekeeper” for its messaging service iMessage. Kevin Purdy for Ars Technica: ‎ The iMessage service did meet the definition of a “core platform,” serving at least 45 million EU users monthly and being controlled by a firm with at least 75 billion euros in market capitalization. But after “a thorough assessment of all arguments” during a five-month investigation, the Commission found that iMessage and Microsoft’s Bing search, Edge browser, and ad platform “do not qualify as gatekeeper services.” Had the Commission ruled otherwise, Apple…

Apple’s Messages icon Apple has won an exemption for its iMessage instant messaging service from the European Union’s Digital Markets Act tech rules after the company convinced antitrust regulators their service is not a gateway for businesses to reach end-users. Foo Yun Chee and Bart H. Meijer for Reuters: ‎ Following a five-month investigation, the European Commission found iMessage, Bing, Edge and Microsoft Advertising “did not qualify as gatekeeper services,” the EU executive said in a statement. The Commission said Apple’s App Store, iOS operating system, and Safari browser will continue to be classified as gatekeepers as will Microsoft’s Linkedin social network and Windows operating system. Apple had said iMessage usage is negligible, even on its devices, compared to rival…