It is also encrypted when on your device and when saved to the iCloud. The encryption uses a key derived from the user’s passcode. Apple holds the key in their servers in Cupertino. There is however some information that is end to end encrypted and cannot be read even by Apple, this data includes a user’s Keychain data, Messages (SMS and iMessage), Health data, Screen Time, Home data, Voice memos, Apple Maps (searches, routes, frequent locations) and, since iOS 14, Safari browsing history.
Apple device backups can be very big, some even into gigabytes of data so that a device’s data can be entirely restored if needed and why the 5GB limit often creates the “full” warning. This backup is also a very handy thing to have when upgrading to a new device, if you use the backup data from the previous device you are able to access all your previous content on the new device.
Alternately most users choose Apple because of the approach taken by Apple. Is it seamless and effective at meeting the needs of the many with minimal interest in the details? Market share is a good indicator.
If not Apple do the alternatives offered by Microsoft, Google and others assume the user knows best? MS has built cloud services, auto backup and automated updates into it’s products. Some of those features require tech savvy and learning to be enabled or implemented effectively.
As consumers we are free to make informed choices. My take (analogy) is that MS and other products offer a truck with a manual transmission and crash box with the user responsible for carrying out servicing in person. The alternative from Apple assumes not every one can drive a manual nor has a mindset and interest for self servicing.
The availability and usefulness of internet connectivity is ubiquitous across most platforms /everyday devices. iDrive (Apple), OneDrive (MS), Android (Google Drive), and other online storage options are available built into the respective products or Apps. Alongside cloud based services they all require fast and effective internet connections.
Unfortunately if the internet service available is not world class response times will be slower. It’s not necessarily a failing of the laptop/PC, handheld etc or updated software capability slowing things down.
Hmmm. I think Apple’s share of the mobile (smartphone) market has declined markedly. However I don’t think that has anything to do with the security of data that you entrust to them.
The problem is that it is impossible to be informed. The post previous to yours made a bunch of assertions about how the encryption works and what is stored where and how - but there is no transparency as to whether those assertions are true. Even if @grahroll had provided a citation, the citation would most likely be to information provided by Apple itself.
So really it comes down to being free to put your trust in a Big Tech company (whether Apple, Google or Microsoft).
As you say though, for many consumers there is no choice because they are not sufficiently tech savvy.
