iCloud Private Relay vs VPN

iCloud Private Relay is a feature specifically for Apple users who subscribe to iCloud+.

This service encrypts internet traffic and conceals users' IP addresses, leading many to compare it to a VPN. However, it fundamentally differs from traditional VPN services.

This article will clarify the workings of iCloud Private Relay and highlight its distinctions from VPN technology.

Primarily, iCloud Private Relay aims to enhance user privacy while browsing Safari. Apple claims that when the feature is activated, “no single entity — not even Apple itself — can access both your identity and the websites you visit.”

Launched in 2021, iCloud Private Relay requires an iCloud+ subscription and a compatible Apple device, such as those running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or macOS Monterey, along with any later Apple operating systems.

It's important to note that iCloud Private Relay is not universally available in every country or region.

Once Private Relay is activated, your outgoing internet requests are routed through two distinct secure relays prior to reaching the web.

When you access a website via Safari, the details of your request are encrypted. However, your IP address remains visible as it is sent to the first relay, known as the “ingress proxy,” managed by Apple.

The request is then forwarded to the second relay, termed the “egress proxy,” which is handled by Apple's third-party partners. Here, your original IP address is replaced with a temporary one for enhanced security. This relay decrypts the website name you've requested and establishes a connection to that site.

In the context of online privacy, understanding the mechanics of iCloud Private Relay is essential, especially when comparing it to traditional VPNs.

When you use iCloud Private Relay, your IP address is visible to Apple and your internet service provider (ISP), but they cannot track your online destinations. Conversely, the second relay operator can see your browsing destination but does not know your IP address. This dual-layer approach enhances user privacy.

While both services aim to safeguard your online activities, there are notable distinctions between them.

VPNs offer comprehensive protection.

They encrypt all internet traffic that flows to and from your device. This includes data from applications like Skype or Netflix, as well as files shared through torrent clients.

However, iCloud Private Relay is limited.

It only secures traffic through the Safari browser. Any activity outside of Safari is left unprotected, making users susceptible to potential threats like DDoS attacks in gaming or man-in-the-middle attacks on unsecured networks.

VPNs provide flexibility in IP addresses.

With a VPN, users have access to vast networks of servers. Some providers, such as CyberGhost, boast over 11,600 servers, while IPVanish offers more than 40,000 IP addresses from across its extensive server network.

By connecting to a different server, users can quickly change their IP address to one located anywhere in the world. For instance, ExpressVPN operates in over 105 countries, allowing users to easily shift their virtual location.

In contrast, iCloud Private Relay restricts users.

It assigns a temporary IP address based on the user's region, but there is no option to choose an IP from another country. Apple clarifies that these anonymous addresses do not reveal the user's precise location or identity.

This limitation makes iCloud Private Relay less suitable for accessing geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix. VPN users, on the other hand, can bypass such restrictions by connecting to servers in the desired locations.

In summary, while both iCloud Private Relay and VPNs enhance online privacy, the level of protection, flexibility, and functionality varies significantly between the two services.

Online Privacy Tools Comparison

When it comes to maintaining online privacy, users often consider tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Apple's iCloud Private Relay.

Notably, premium VPN services such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN utilize their own servers for DNS resolution. This approach effectively shields users from prying eyes, including ISPs and malicious network actors, preventing them from tracking the websites accessed by users.

On the other hand, iCloud Private Relay also prioritizes DNS privacy. It enhances security by encrypting DNS queries during transmission over the network and through the initial Apple-operated relay. Only the second relay, managed by a third-party provider like Cloudflare, decrypts these requests, ensuring that the original IP address remains concealed. Consequently, individual DNS queries cannot be linked back to specific users.

In terms of functionality, VPNs route internet traffic through an intermediary server, which can sometimes lead to slower connections due to increased distance and encryption overhead. Although leading VPNs minimize speed loss, users may still experience some impact. For instance, while using Surfshark, my connection speed only improved marginally by 1.2 Mbps when disconnected.

Recent tests have shown that the fastest VPNs achieved average download speeds exceeding 250 Mbps, suitable for demanding activities like gaming or streaming in 4K quality.

Apple claims that iCloud Private Relay does not significantly affect browsing speeds; however, user feedback on forums may suggest otherwise.

For those with devices running iOS 15, iPadOS 15, or newer, enabling iCloud Private Relay is straightforward. Simply navigate to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, select Private Relay, and toggle it on. Users can also adjust their IP address location settings if desired.

For Mac users with macOS 12 or later, the process is similarly simple: click the Apple icon, go to System Preferences, select Apple ID, then iCloud, and choose Private Relay. Options for modifying location settings are available as well.

In summary, both iCloud Private Relay and traditional VPNs strive to enhance user privacy, each with its own methods and impacts on performance.

iCloud Private Relay Vulnerability

In 2021, shortly after the introduction of iCloud Private Relay, a vulnerability was identified by a security researcher.
This issue was linked to the use of iOS 15 and involved the potential exposure of users' actual IP addresses.
The leak stemmed from WebRTC, a browser API that allows for direct communication between users on websites.
To address this risk, the researcher recommended utilizing a VPN until Apple could implement a fix.

It's important to note that many VPNs are also susceptible to WebRTC leaks.
You can disable WebRTC in your browser settings or by using an extension to enhance your privacy.

In 2022, researchers from the Technical University of Munich uncovered that the first relay, intended to be an Apple server, was actually hosted by Akamai.
This raised concerns since Akamai also manages some egress servers, which could potentially allow them to connect users with the websites they visit.
The researchers highlighted that this scenario compromises Apple’s assurance that no single entity should have visibility over both addresses at the network level.

For existing iCloud+ subscribers, iCloud Private Relay does provide a layer of protection against ISP surveillance and enhances browsing safety.
However, if you're contemplating subscribing to iCloud+ solely for the purpose of using iCloud Private Relay,
it may be wiser to invest in a VPN instead.
A VPN typically offers superior security for all your online activities and provides access to region-specific content.

What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One

A Netflix VPN is a virtual private network that enables users to access region-restricted content on Netflix by connecting to servers in different countries. This allows users to enjoy a wider array of TV shows and movies that may not be available in their own region. To utilize a Netflix VPN, users must select a reliable VPN provider that supports streaming, download and install the VPN application, and connect to a server in the desired region before logging into Netflix.

Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?

If you're looking to access region-restricted content using a Netflix VPN, consider SafeShell VPN as your go-to choice. SafeShell VPN offers several compelling advantages tailored to enhance your streaming experience. First and foremost, it boasts high-speed servers exclusively optimized for Netflix, ensuring seamless streaming of your favorite shows and movies without any interruptions. These servers provide lightning-fast connection speeds, enabling buffer-free playback and high-definition streaming quality. Moreover, SafeShell VPN allows you to connect up to five devices simultaneously across a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, and Apple Vision Pro, so you can enjoy netflix unblocked on any device you prefer.

In addition to its high-speed capabilities, SafeShell VPN offers an exclusive App Mode feature, which lets you unlock and enjoy content from multiple regions simultaneously. This unique feature empowers you to access a diverse array of streaming services and libraries, providing the freedom to explore a world of entertainment without restrictions. Furthermore, with its proprietary ShellGuard VPN protocol, SafeShell VPN ensures top-level security for your online activities. Advanced encryption and robust security features protect your data from prying eyes, allowing you to browse the internet with confidence. With SafeShell VPN, you can say goodbye to buffering and throttling, experiencing unprecedented internet performance that enhances every aspect of your digital life.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN

To enjoy Netflix content from different regions using SafeShell Netflix VPN , follow these steps:

• Visit the SafeShell VPN website at https://www.safeshellvpn.com / and select a subscription plan that suits your needs and budget. Click on "Subscribe Now" to proceed.

  
  

• Download the SafeShell VPN software by selecting your device type (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.) from the website and install the appropriate version.

  
  

• Launch the SafeShell VPN app, log into your account, and select the APP mode for an optimized Netflix viewing experience.

  
  

• Browse the list of available VPN servers and choose one located in the region whose Netflix content you want to access, such as the US, UK, or Canada. Click "Connect" to establish a connection.

  
  

• Open the Netflix app or go to the Netflix website, log into your account, and enjoy streaming the content available in your selected region.