Apple iMessage Now Protects Users Against Attacks From Quantum Computer: What It Means

Apple prides itself on security and privacy of its users and now the company is bringing another layer of protection for its iMessage users that keeps them safe from future-ready attacks. The company is now preparing for attacks that might be done using quantum computers, which carries an advanced level of encryption standard that we’re yet to see go mainstream in the industry.

The new standard from Apple is called PQ3 protocol which is compliant with iMessage and will soon be adopted for iPhone, iPad, mac and even Apple Watch users. Apple says that using the PQ3 protocol for iMessages, it can safeguard hackers from decrypting their content using quantum computers.

The new standard is only available with one more platform as of now and that is the Signal app. WhatsApp, iMessage and Signal already have encryption but security experts say that secure chats will face challenges to remain encrypted when hackers try to decrypt them using powerful quantum computers.

iMessage has been a hotly debated subject these days, all thanks to the European Union (EU) tightening the leash on tech giants like Apple with the new Digital Markets Act (DMA). However, Apple has managed to limit the reach and access of the new rule on its messaging platform by simply claiming its less-than-dominant share in the market.

Bringing features like these keep iPhone users secure, and this may be Apple’s way of telling the EU that stifling technology doesn’t augur well for the future of the industry. So when can iPhone users expect this advanced security feature to be available on iMessage?

Apple says the iOS 17.4, iPadOS 17.4 and similar updates for the mac and Apple Watch will get the PQ3 standard which will automatically start working on the supported devices for messages sent and received.