Apple will start scanning public iCloud links for harmful content

Apple will begin checking public iCloud links for harmful content. The change comes with iOS 27.3 and matching updates for iPad, Mac and Apple Vision Pro. Apple's first iOS 27.3 beta came out this week, and a new support document on Apple's website explains the rule.

What changed

When you share a photo or file stored in iCloud, you can choose "People you choose" or "Anyone with the link." The first limits access to people you invite or approve. The second works for anyone who has the link, and Apple has always counted itself among them. Now Apple says it will check items shared with "Anyone with the link."

If content is flagged as harmful, Apple says it "reserves the right to move, refuse, modify, remove, or delete the content at any time." People who try to upload harmful content could also lose their Apple Account, be blocked from making a new one with the same email or phone number, or face law enforcement involvement if necessary.

What to do and what is unknown

• Use "People you choose" for anything private.
• Treat "Anyone with the link" as a public setting.
• Check how you share before updating to iOS 27.3.

The material does not say how the checks work or exactly what counts as harmful content. It also does not say when iOS 27.3 will reach everyone, since it is still in beta. The support document describes the rules for public links only. It does not mention items shared with people you choose.