If Google is able to introduce this then why can't Apple?

>Starting in Android Pie, devices can take advantage of a new capability where backed-up application data can only be decrypted by a key that is randomly generated at the client. This decryption key is encrypted using the user's lockscreen PIN/pattern/passcode, which isn’t known by Google.

>By design, this means that no one (including Google) can access a user's backed-up application data without specifically knowing their passcode.

https://security.googleblog.com/2018/10/google-and-android-h...

If backups aren't encrypted, then neither is your device

But backups to iCloud are optional. Apple has to strike a balance.

This is cliche as can be, but the trade off is security for convenience.

Fact is, iOS is consumed largely by people who want convenience. They don’t want to lose all of their data if they forget their passwords.

But for those people who are ok with that type of unforgiving paradigm, then don’t use iCloud backups, and you’re all set.

> Apple has to strike a balance.

I see this in the thread. What does that mean? Do they have to? Are they being forced? What is the balance between?

Why aren't iCloud backups e2e encrypted?

You can back them up locally.

I like it. If you want, you can make local encrypted backup. If you are lazy (and lots of terrorists and drug dealers probably are) you just flip the iCloud switch on at the first prompt. :) I have read that airport security is also not 100% effective but it is enough for these kinds of problematic people.

If you re-remember to flip the switch back. I was SHOCKED that my Apple Time Machine backup of my encrypted drive after restore was NOT encrypted!

But you can't do so automatically. You have to open iTunes (or Finder) and explicitly click a button.

If Apple is privacy-oriented, they should've allowed this long time ago. Unlike iCloud backups, this is certainly not a legal issue, as the "local" backups stored on one's computer are already fully encrypted.

If Apple were privacy-oriented then they would at least add a big red warning about reversible encryption when turning on cloud backups.

True or not, you have my apathy and my down vote.*

* My memory says I spent way too much on an iPhone. My ego says that can't be true, and in the end memory yields. -nietzsche