Apple plans to change its Hide My Email privacy feature that could make it less effective
techcrunch.com Jun 17, 2026

Apple plans to change its Hide My Email privacy feature that could make it less effective

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Apple plans to modify its Hide My Email feature, which generates anonymous email addresses for paying iCloud+ customers, by changing the domain from @icloud.com to @private.icloud.com. This change will make it easier for apps and websites to identify and block anonymous sign-ups. Existing addresses will continue to function without interruption, but app and email providers will need to update their filtering to ensure uninterrupted service for customers relying on the feature. The change follows a recent incident where Apple turned over a user's real account information to the FBI.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · The shift in Apple's Hide My Email domain could embolden efforts to unmask anonymous accounts, echoing the Trump administration's push to subpoena tech companies for user information.
  • · This move may undermine the purpose of the feature, which was designed to protect users' identities online.