With iOS 27.3, Apple will start checking iCloud public links for ‘harmful content’

iOS 27.3 adds lots of new iPhone features, and it also makes a change to how public iCloud links work with the aim of preventing harmful content from being shared. Here are the details. New support document explains Apple’s plan to check iCloud public links for harmful content This week Apple released the first iOS 27.3 beta, which adds Siri AI improvements, new Safari features, the all-new Apple Health app, and more. Per a newly published support document on Apple’s website, iOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and more also include a key change to how iCloud public links work. Apple currently provides two main options when sharing photos, files, and more via iCloud. You can share with ‘People you choose’ or create a public link that works for ‘Anyone with the link.’ Starting with iOS 27.3 and companion updates, the ‘Anyone with the link’ option will start being checked by Apple for harmful content. Per the support document: When you share content that’s stored in iCloud, such as a photo in iCloud Photos or a file in iCloud Drive, you can choose to Share a Link or Send a Copy of the item. If you choose Share a Link, you can either share the item with “People you choose” — only people you invite or approve — or with “Anyone with the link,” which makes it accessible to anyone who has the link, including Apple. Starting in version 27.3 or later of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS, items shared using Anyone with the Link will be checked by Apple for harmful content. If Apple flags the content you’re sharing as harmful, the support doc says it “reserves the right to move, refuse, modify, remove, or delete the content at any time.” For anyone trying to upload harmful content, the company may “take action against your Apple Account, including blocking or disabling your Apple Account, blocking the ability to create a new Apple Account with the associated email address or phone number, or if necessary, involving law enforcement.” As outlined above, choosing the ‘Anyone with the link’ option has always made it accessible to “anyone who has the link, including Apple.” That’s because it’s a public link. What’s changing now, though, is that Apple says it will begin checking those public links for harmful content. Do you use iCloud public links? What’s your take on this change? Let us know in the comments. Best iPhone accessories AirPods Pro 3 (now only $199, down from $249) MagSafe Car Mount for iPhone 10-year AirTag battery case 100W USB-C fast charging power adapter HomeKit Garage Door Opener FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.