Few people know it, but for a few years, Apple has been offering a function capable of replacing the VPN. His name: private relay. Like the VPNs, the objective is to protect the user data and allow them to access the Internet safely.
For this, the IP address and safari navigation activity masked. But is it really as effective as VPN?
A limited function
If the promise is the same, Apple’s private relay is more limited than VPN. To start, it is not compatible with all devices and all web browsers. As expected, the function is really reserved for iphone, iPad and Mac users and only works in Safari.
In other words, the Apple browser must be systematically necessary to protect your data with the private relay. Where you can use a VPN with all devices and in all web browsers.
While some companies offer accessible VPN for free, although they are more limited and less efficient (without access to foreign content …), Apple’s function is paid.
Apple’s private relief is integrated into ICloud+ (0.99 euros per month). To activate it, if you have a subscriber, simply go to the configuration and then press your name, “ICLOUD” and move down and then press “private relay.”
Protect your data, but no more
And, unlike VPN paid versions, Apple’s private relay only allows you to ensure your navigation and protect your data. The former offer many advantages, such as the possibility of watching movies and series from other countries. Which is impossible with Apple’s solution, because it does not allow to relocate its Internet connection, to make believe that the device is in another country.
VPNs that offer free versions, such as Proton VPN, also allow connecting to servers from other countries to a lesser extent (limited to five countries for Proton VPN Free).
Once activated, Apple’s private relay only offers “maintain its general position to receive local content” or use an IP address “corresponding to a larger geographical area located in your country and your time zone.” In other words, it will not be possible to know where it is exactly, but it will be limited to the country in which it is.
Despite these limits, Apple’s function can adapt to you. If you have an Apple device and only use safari, for example, but also if you only seek to protect your data. But it will be better to resort to a VPN if you want more, in particular access to foreign content.
Source: BFM TV
