[An M5 chip that powers the new Mac computers with Apple silicon.]Hardware security
Secure software requires a foundation of security built into hardware. Thats why Apple devices with iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS or watchOS have security capabilities designed into silicon.
[Icons representing the operating systems for iPhone, iPad and Mac.]System security
Building on the unique capabilities of Apple hardware, system security is designed to maximise the security of the operating systems on Apple devices without compromising usability. System security encompasses the startup process, software updates and the ongoing operation of the operating system.
[A Mac laptop open showing the icon for FileVault.]Encryption and Data Protection
Apple devices have encryption features to safeguard user data and enable remote wipe in the case of device theft or loss.
Learn more about Apple device and software encryption and Data Protection
[Icons representing the App Store and macOS extensions.]App security
Apple provides layers of protection designed to ensure that apps are free of known malware and havent been tampered with. Other protections help ensure that access from apps to user data is carefully mediated.
Learn how Apple protects users with many layers of app security
[Symbols for six of the services that Apple offers: Find My, Apple Wallet, iMessage, iCloud, FaceTime and Home.]Services security
Apple has built a robust set of services to help users get even more utility and productivity out of their devices. These services include Apple Account, iCloud, Sign in with Apple, Apple Pay, iMessage, FaceTime, Home and Find My.
To explore Apple Platform Security, select Table of Contents at the top of the page, or enter a word or phrase in the search field. You can also download the guide (where available).
Not all features and content are available in all countries or regions.Apple Platform Security
- Welcome
- Intro to Apple platform security
- Hardware security and biometrics
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System security
- System security overview
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Secure boot
- Boot process for iPad and iPhone devices
- Memory safe iBoot implementation
- Mac computers with Apple silicon
- Intel-based Mac computers
- Signed system volume security
- Secure software updates
- Background Security Improvements
- Operating system integrity
- Device pairing and connection security
- BlastDoor for Messages and IDS
- Lockdown Mode security
- Overview of additional macOS system security capabilities
- System security for watchOS
- Random number generation
- Communicating emergency information using satellites
- Apple Security Research Device
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Encryption and Data Protection
- Encryption and Data Protection overview
- Quantum-secure cryptography with Apple devices
- Passcodes and passwords
- Data Protection
- FileVault
- How Apple protects users personal data
- Digital signing and encryption
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App security
- App security overview
- App code signing process
- App security in iOS, iPadOS and visionOS
- App security in macOS
- Supporting extensions
- Secure features in the Notes app
- Secure features in the Shortcuts app
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Services security
- Services security overview
- Apple Account and Managed Apple Account
- iCloud
- Passcode and password management
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Apple Pay
- Apple Pay security overview
- Apple Pay component security
- How Apple Pay keeps users purchases protected
- Credit, debit and pre-paid cards
- Payment authorisation with Apple Pay
- Paying with cards using Apple Pay
- Contactless passes in Apple Pay
- Rendering cards unusable with Apple Pay
- Apple Card security
- Apple Cash security
- Tap to Pay on iPhone
- Using Apple Wallet
- iMessage
- Secure Apple Messages for Business
- FaceTime security
- Find My
- Continuity
- Network security
- Developer kit security
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Secure device management
- Secure device management overview
- Device management
- Apple Configurator security
- Screen Time security
- Glossary
- Document revision history
- Copyright and trademarks