Apple's support page, published Nov. 3, says that when you share an item that can be accessed by Anyone with the Link in version 27.3 or later of iOS, iPadOS, macOS and visionOS, that content is made accessible to Apple to check for harmful content. Apple also says the item is no longer end-to-end encrypted, even if the owner or participants have turned on iCloud Advanced Data Protection.

What Apple says changes

Apple's page covers content stored in iCloud, such as a photo in iCloud Photos or a file in iCloud Drive. Sharing it offers two choices: Share a Link or Send a Copy. Under Share a Link, Apple lists "People you choose", which limits access to people you invite or approve, and "Anyone with the link", which makes the item accessible to anyone with the link, including Apple. Starting in 27.3, Apple says items shared with Anyone with the Link will be checked for harmful content.

The Verge, reporting on Nov. 4, reports that Apple has said it plans to release iOS 27.3 in December. Apple's support page itself gives no date. 9to5Mac reported the same change on Nov. 4, and its separate Nov. 3 roundup is headlined "Everything new in iOS 27.3 beta 1 so far", so the update is still in beta.

What happens if something is flagged

Apple says that if content is flagged, it "reserves the right to move, refuse, modify, remove, or delete the content at any time." It adds that it may also take action against your Apple Account, including blocking or disabling it, blocking the ability to create a new Apple Account with the associated email address or phone number, or, if necessary, involving law enforcement.

What Apple has not said

The support page does not define "harmful content". Apple's page also does not describe how the check works, and we are not describing it either. Apple adds that not all features are available in all countries or regions, so what applies to you may depend on where you are.

iCloud shared link: what to check now

The choice sits in the Share Link options when you share from iCloud. Per Apple's wording, a link set to "People you choose" is not the same as one set to "Anyone with the link", and only the second falls under the new check.

What to do

  • If you use Advanced Data Protection, know that an Anyone-with-the-link item is no longer end-to-end encrypted under Apple's description, even with the setting on.
  • Before sharing from iCloud on iOS 27.3 or later, look at which option the Share a Link choice is set to.
  • If you only need specific people to see an item, choose "People you choose" so that only people you invite or approve can open it.
  • Send a Copy is a separate choice from Share a Link on Apple's page.

Related: how to set up passkeys on iPhone and Android and how to lock down a home security camera or webcam.