November 5, 2026, 1:51 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Starting in December 2026, Apple will change the rules for publicly shared content in iCloud. With iOS 27.3, the company will review files and images shared via publicly accessible links. This change also affects iPadOS 27.3, macOS 27.3, and visionOS 27.3. Early test versions are already available to developers. In case of violations, Apple can remove content and suspend the associated account.
These iCloud Shares Will Be Reviewed
The review applies exclusively to content shared in iCloud Photos or iCloud Drive with the “Anyone with the link” setting. Anyone who knows the internet address can access these files.
Apple also gains access with this type of sharing and can examine the content for harmful material. The announcement does not specify which technical methods the company uses for this. The change comes with iOS and iPadOS 27.3, as well as macOS 27.3 Golden Gate and visionOS 27.3.
The “Only selected people” sharing option is not affected. Files that users send directly as a copy are also not reviewed under the new regulation.
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Apple Can Block Content and Accounts
Apple does not specify in detail which files are considered harmful content. However, the company reserves the right to move, reject, modify, or completely delete affected images or documents.
Additionally, Apple can block or deactivate the associated Apple account and prevent a new account from being created with the registered email address or phone number.
If necessary, the company can also involve law enforcement agencies. The notice suggests that the review could include child abuse material and malware.
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Impact on Privacy
Unlike private iCloud links, publicly shared content was never end-to-end encrypted. This remains true even if users have enabled the “Advanced Data Protection” feature.
For the review, Apple must be able to access the files provided via public links. This distinguishes this sharing from content accessible only to specific people. For sensitive images or documents, the “Only selected people” option or direct sending of a copy is therefore suitable.
The change responds to criticism of the misuse of iCloud for criminal purposes. Until now, Apple did not actively review publicly shared links.