Apple Announces 'Extreme' Privacy Mode for Targets of Government Spyware

In an attempt to protect its most vulnerable users, Apple has announced an upcoming feature designed to thwart hacking attempts from government malware. Apple’s announcement specifically called malware created by the Israeli spyware firm NSO Group, which was recently caught spying on dozens of journalists, government officials, and dissidents..

The new feature is called “Lockdown Mode” and Apple described it as “extreme” and “groundbreaking” security capability in its press release published on Wednesday.

“Lockdown Mode—the first major capability of its kind, coming this fall with iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura—is an extreme, optional protection for the very small number of users who face grave, targeted threats to their digital security,” Apple wrote in the announcement.