Apple’s iCloud Private Relay, a feature introduced in 2021 as part of the iCloud+ subscription plan, has generated some confusion among users. While it is marketed as a VPN service, it is not quite the same. The aim of Private Relay is to hide users’ IP addresses and browsing activity on Safari by routing it through two relay servers, one managed by Apple and the other by a third-party provider.
When enabled, Private Relay encrypts the data and sends it to Apple, preventing the user’s internet service provider (ISP) from seeing their web browsing activity. Then, at Apple’s proxy server, the user’s IP address and the Domain Name System (DNS) request are disassociated. The IP address is recorded by Apple, while the encrypted DNS request is sent to one of Apple’s partners, which has the decryption key and a fake IP address based on the user’s approximate location.
Although these actions may sound similar to what a VPN does, there are key differences that make Private Relay not a true VPN service. Firstly, Private Relay is only available for Apple devices. Users must have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac and subscribe to iCloud+ to access Private Relay within their iCloud settings. This means that it is not available for Android or Windows users.
Secondly, Private Relay only works with Safari. While a traditional VPN routes all of a user’s traffic through multiple servers and locations, Private Relay is restricted to Safari browser activity. This means that in-app activity from other platforms like Instagram or TikTok, or even other browsers like Chrome, are not hidden in the same way.
Additionally, Private Relay does not fully shield a user’s browsing habits. Accepting cookies can still allow tracking, and since the server traffic is still linked to the proxy it comes from, it can potentially be isolated and blocked by an IT administrator. Compared to a traditional VPN, the traffic is not completely obfuscated.
Private Relay also has limitations in terms of the number of hops it uses to cover a user’s traffic. While a VPN typically routes traffic through multiple hops, connecting to different servers to conceal the user’s trail, Private Relay only has two hops.
Another limitation is that Private Relay does not allow users to choose their geolocation. One of the primary benefits of a VPN is the ability to mask a user’s location and make it appear as if they are in a different country where the VPN server is located. With Private Relay, users are only given the option to maintain a general location or choose a country and time zone.
Despite these limitations, Private Relay can still offer some advantages. It provides a level of privacy for browsing and offers added protection for Safari activity. When combined with effective ad-blocking Safari extensions and a refusal to accept tracking cookies, Private Relay can be a reliable option for tailored browsing and data sharing habits.
Ultimately, whether using Private Relay, a VPN, or adopting a more privacy-focused approach, having more control over personal data online is important. Rejecting cookies, using a VPN to obfuscate IP addresses, and being mindful of oversharing on social media are steps that individuals can take to enhance their online privacy and security.