How Apple’s Encryption and ATT stack up against Google’s Advance Data Protection Program
Apple is known in the world for its superior data security features and smooth interface. Google is not far behind being a leader in the field even before Apple’s inception. So, the debate on Apple vs Google privacy features is a natural one as customers are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of data protection.
Modern user knows how their personal information can be used for targeted advertisements, AI model training, etc. Thus, finding the best devices to keep themselves safe has become a necessity in today’s data-driven world. Let’s explore a thorough analysis of Apple vs Google data security features to make an informed decision on which company to choose to secure one’s personal information.
Apple Data Security
End-to-End Encryption
Apple utilizes end-end encryption for services such as iMessage and FaceTime, allowing access only to the sender and recipient in such a message. Apple cannot decrypt these communications even. In December 2022, Apple extended this type of encryption to its iCloud data using Advanced Data Protection, securing photos, notes, and backups from unauthorized access.
Privacy-Focused Features
Apples integrate privacy-enhancing features like:
App Tracking Transparency (ATT): Requires apps to get the user’s consent before tracking activities.
Intelligent Tracking Prevention: Stops cross-site tracking in Safari.
The above privacy features make it hard for third-party advertisers to retrieve user data.
Limited Data Collection
As a company that specializes purely in hardware sales, Apple limits the gathering of data. It does not need high-level user data to generate money like Google, which needs targeted ads to generate revenue.
Google Data Security
Google has an Advanced Protection Program for users at risk, such as journalists and activists. It uses two-factor authentication and security keys for enhanced security.
Encryption Standards
Google Drive services use 256-bit AES encryption. However, end-to-end encryption is not a feature in all Google products. Instead, users must enroll in specific programs for enhanced security.
Privacy Sandbox Initiative
Google’s Privacy Sandbox seeks to end third-party cookies while still allowing advertisers to measure effectiveness. IP Protection is just one feature that helps obscure the identity of the user.
Data Collection Practices
Google generates its primary revenue through advertising, meaning that it collects vast amounts of data. In contrast to Apple, Google utilizes this data to fine-tune targeted ads, which raises a privacy flag.
Comparing Apple and Google’s data security features:
| Feature | Apple | |
| End-to-End Encryption | Available for iMessage, FaceTime, and iCloud data | Limited availability, requires opt-in |
| User Tracking Control | Strict controls via ATT and ITP | Privacy Sandbox in development |
| Ad-Driven Data Collection | Minimal due to hardware-focused business model | Extensive due to ad revenue model |
| Advanced Protection | Encrypts iCloud data for enhanced privacy | Offers security keys and two-factor authentication |
| Web Privacy | iCloud Private Relay for Safari traffic | IP Protection for Chrome users |
Apple’s iCloud Private Relay vs. Google’s IP Protection
Apple’s iCloud Private Relay:
iCloud Private relay encrypts Safari traffic through two relays, masking the user’s IP address. It also blocks sites from knowing the location of users. However, it requires an iCloud+ subscription beginning at US$0.99 per month. The other drawback is that it is limited to traffic in Safari only, not apps.
Google’s IP Protection:
Google seeks to anonymize IPs in Chrome with proxy servers. It can be applied to more widespread web activity outside of Chrome. Although Google IP protection is still very much in the development phase with rollouts, thus limiting usage.
Which One Works Better
Apple’s iCloud Private Relay provides a higher encryption level using its dual-hop system. So, third parties will find it difficult to track the users. Google’s IP Protection is still developing with future improvements depicting its effectiveness.
Third-Party Advertisements
App Tracking: Apple’s ATT vs. Google’s Privacy Sandbox
App Tracking Transparency (ATT) of Apple was introduced in 2020. ATT means that explicit user permission is required before tracking. If users decline their permission, then Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) cannot be accessed by the advertisers. This privacy-first approach has impacted ad revenues for Apple, especially for platforms like Meta.
Google’s Privacy Sandbox
Google Privacy Sandbox uses aggregated and anonymized data instead of unique user identifiers. Features like the Topics API allow advertisers to target users based on general interests. It aims to balance privacy and ad effectiveness while reducing tracking.
Which Offers Greater User Control
Apple’s ATT is more restrictive, allowing users to have more control over their data. Google’s Privacy Sandbox still offers some degree of ad personalization but in a privacy-friendly way.
Advanced-Data Protection: Apple vs. Google
Google’s Advanced Protection Program
It uses physical security keys to protect against unauthorized access. Google’s Advanced Data Protection also limits third-party app access to account data. It is available for both Android and iOS users.
Apple’s Advanced Data Protection
This Apple privacy feature extends end-to-end encryption to most of the iCloud data. It focuses on data privacy rather than account protection. The tech giant works on exclusivity so, it is no wonder that this feature is only available for Apple users, hence limiting accessibility.
Which One Offers More Robust Security
Google’s Advanced Protection Program is ideal for users who are at risk of phishing attacks while Apple’s program ensures stronger data privacy.
Data Privacy Breaches: Apple vs. Google
Both companies have had severe allegations and fines against them for breach and privacy infringement over the years.
Apple
The giant has faced litigation over Siri recordings being stored without users’ consent. Although the company mostly has an excellent reputation regarding privacy-first policies.
The company has been fined for deceptive practices in data collection like the recent EU antitrust probe. Google has also faced criticism for tracking Safari users without consent.
The following table shows major data privacy breaches faced by Apple and Google until 2024:
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Transparency and Trust
Google reportedly scores better than Apple on the transparency of government data requests, but it still relies more heavily on data in advertising.
Final Verdict: Apple or Google
Analytics Insights’ final verdict on which to choose between Apple and Google for utmost data privacy in 2025 is as follows:
| Category | Winner |
| Data Encryption | Apple |
| User Control Over Tracking | Apple |
| Security Against Unauthorized Access | |
| Privacy in Web Browsing | Apple |
| Business Model Favoring Privacy | Apple |
Although both companies improve data security, Apple is better for users concerned with maximum security with minimum tracing due to its more privacy-crypto approach. Google offers strong security features but still has an ad-driven model, raising questions about user privacy. Apple leads in data security for users in 2025 due to its encryption, ATT, and Private Relay while Google is developing privacy tools without fully giving up data collection.
