


To keep iMessage end-to-end encrypted when using its multi-device “Messages in iCloud,” you need to disable the generic iCloud backup on your devices. There is a major caveat to all that, though. MORE FROM FORBES How To Stop Apple Reading Your iMessages By null You don’t need a specific backup, you essentially run a rolling cloud-based backup that keeps everything updated and ensures you can restore a lost or replaced device. The platform runs multi-device end-to-end encryption, where there is a seamless sync of your message history across all your existing and any new devices. Let’s start with that industry-beating security architecture that underpins iMessage. None of that is game-changing, though-but here's what is. Let’s remember, the reason iMessage doesn't extend to Android is that Apple wants to dissuade families on iOS from going cross-platform.

Much more so than Google Messages, iMessage is a core part of the mobile OS, it’s not possible to change out the default messenger, Apple doesn’t really want you using anything else. Apple’s plans to ramp up iMessage functionality with iOS 15 due in the fall are intended to make its house messenger even more of a “key linchpin.” Expanded options to share content, essentially bringing a circle of friends into elements of your iPhone experience, is designed to make the platform stickier.
