iOS 18: Apple’s leap towards secure data privacy with encrypted computing
Apple announce a new open source Swift package for homomorphic encryption. We take a look at the impact on the encrypted computing ecosystem.
Apple’s iOS 18 announcement, featuring private caller lookup, marks a significant step towards a world in which data privacy and utility can coexist without compromise.
Powered by encrypted computing, this technology enables secure data processing and analysis while maintaining strong encryption at every stage. Its deployment across a range of consumer products realises a shared vision among companies in the encrypted computing sector, including Optalysys.
The release of the underlying HE library as an open source package for the Swift programming language is an indicator not only of the maturity of the encrypted computing ecosystem, but a clear signal that global businesses understand the need to leverage encrypted computing across applications.
The presence of HE in the smartphones will enable responsible access to rich data sources. In iOS 18, HE protects users against unwanted and irresponsible data collection and analysis of their communication patterns. Encrypted computing can extend this protection to other data analytics models, such as AI training, without harming user confidentiality.
This development is a significant advancement both for users and organisations that need access to data to enable their commercial offerings.
Beyond smartphone applications, the continuing maturity of the encrypted computing ecosystem will enable this revolution to be replicated across all domains where sensitive and confidential data must be utilised. Achieving this at scale depends on the availability of cost-effective and energy-efficient computing hardware designed to meet the demands of encrypted computing.
At Optalysys, our unique approach harnesses the power of optical computing to perform the core operations needed in HE, breaking down the remaining barriers to a future in which HE can be deployed everywhere.
