iOS 15: Apple lets your family access your data in the event of death

With the iOS 15 update, Apple is launching a new program called Digital Legacy. This feature allows iPhone users to select a handful of contacts who will be allowed to access their personal data after death. The chosen relatives will get access to your iCloud photos and videos, and more broadly, all information related to your Apple account.

True to its usual schedule, Apple unveiled the new iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and macOS Monterey updates during the WWDC 2021 opening conference. The Cupertino giant notably announced a do not disturb mode improved called Focus, a revised Safari, a functional offline Siri, a new Weather application and a SharePlay option.

During another WWDC online conference, Apple announced the arrival of the Digital Legacy program. This service, still under development, will allow users of Apple devices to designate trusted contacts who can access their data after their death. Via the settings, you will be able to add several people whom you trust.

How does the iOS 15 Digital Legacy program work?

Until now, it was very complicated, and often impossible, to access data stored on an iPhone, Mac or iPad after the death of its owner. Despite the presentation of a death certificate, Apple firmly refuses to unlock a device.

This program therefore aims to make life easier for loved ones after a death. The contacts designated by the deceased during his lifetime will have access to a large part of your personal data, such as photos, videos or files. The contact will even be able to restore data from an iCloud backup to another device. To obtain access, the “heir” contacts will have to submit a request. This request will be reviewed in detail by Apple.

However, some data will remain inaccessible. Unsurprisingly, passwords and IDs stored in iCloud Keychain and credit card numbers saved by the deceased’s Apple devices will not be released.

Apple reveals list of iPhones compatible with iOS 15 update

In the same vein, Apple will allow to design recovery contacts if you forget your iCloud password. This feature will be rolled out with the iOS 15 update sometime next fall.