Apple Updates iCloud Private Relay Explanation, Revealing True Cause for Potential Malfunction
In a recent turn of events, T-Mobile has issued a revised statement acknowledging that Apple does not change customers' settings when they update to iOS 15.2. This statement comes after concerns raised by several carriers, including Vodafone, Telefonica, and T-Mobile, about Apple's iCloud Private Relay, which they claim hinders their ability to manage networks and infringes upon EU "digital sovereignty."
The issue seems to be affecting some T-Mobile customers, who may receive an error message suggesting that the Private Relay is either not supported by their cellular plan or has been turned off in Cellular Settings. However, Apple has clarified that it did not make any changes to iOS 15.2 that would toggle off iCloud Private Relay.
T-Mobile has confirmed the conflict and stated that it has not "broadly blocked" iCloud Private Relay. The conflict appears to be specific to T-Mobile customers with certain content filtering and blocking features, such as Web Guard, as the Private Relay feature bricks these services.
For T-Mobile customers who chose plans with content filtering (e.g. parental controls), the iCloud Private Relay is currently unavailable. T-Mobile, initially, had blamed iOS 15.2 for the issue, claiming that some device settings default to the feature being toggled off.
Apple, in response, has updated its support page with instructions on how to turn on the iCloud Private Relay feature. The company recommends toggling on Limit IP Address Tracking preferences in WiFi, Cellular Data Options, or Network Settings in order to use the feature on a specific network.
It is important to note that the iCloud Private Relay moves web traffic requests through encrypted VPN-like filters to protect users from ISPs or websites that might use DNS records and IP addresses to generate profiles and serve targeted ads. Without Private Relay, the network can monitor internet activity, and the IP address is not hidden from known trackers or websites.
A leaked document published by The T-Mo Report suggests that there is a conflict between Apple's feature and T-Mobile's filtering services. However, Apple maintains that it does not change customers' settings, and the issue appears to be related to T-Mobile's content filtering services.
Despite the ongoing issue, all other T-Mobile customers have no restrictions regarding the use of iCloud Private Relay. Apple's updated message to users includes the possibility of the feature being toggled off, not blocked altogether.
In the latest statement, T-Mobile did not disclose the name of the person who represented the company. Users who have signed up to a content filtering service might have the iCloud Private Relay feature blocked outright. Apple continues to emphasise the benefits of the iCloud Private Relay for user privacy and security.
