Google Advanced Protection and iPhone Lockdown Mode: who needs them
What Google's Advanced Protection, Android 16's protection mode and Apple's Lockdown Mode do, who should turn them on, and what you give up in daily use.
Executives, journalists, politicians, activists and IT admins face targeted attacks. Google and Apple offer free hardened modes that trade convenience for security.
What is Google's Advanced Protection Program?
According to Google, it is for people at high risk of targeted attacks. It requires a passkey or security key to sign in, limits sensitive data such as Gmail and Drive to verified third-party apps, adds extra Chrome download scanning, tightens account recovery and revokes app passwords. It is free; hardware keys are optional.
What does Android 16 add?
Announced in May 2025 (TechCrunch): end-to-end encrypted intrusion logging, USB data blocked while locked, auto-restart after 72 hours locked, no auto-joining insecure Wi-Fi and on-device scam-call detection.
What does iPhone Lockdown Mode do?
Apple calls it an extreme, optional protection for the very few people targeted by sophisticated threats. It blocks most message attachments and link previews, restricts complex web technologies, blocks FaceTime from people you have not called in 30 days, requires unlocking for wired connections, turns off 2G/3G and blocks configuration profiles. Normal calls, plain texts and emergency features still work. Turn it on in Settings > Privacy & Security > Lockdown Mode.
| Mode | Protects against | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Google APP | Password phishing, rogue apps, recovery fraud | Passkey or key required; some apps blocked |
| Android 16 | Cable extraction, rogue Wi-Fi, scam calls | Less USB and network flexibility |
| Lockdown Mode | Spyware via attachments and links | Broken sites, fewer message features |
Do you need it?
Most people are well served by passkeys or MFA, a password manager and a regular security checkup. Turn on the hardened modes if you approve payments, handle sensitive data, work in media, law or politics, or have been warned of state-backed attacks. See also passkeys and MFA and SIM swap protection.
Source
- Google — Advanced Protection Program FAQ
- TechCrunch — Android 16 Advanced Protection (mai. 2025)
- Apple — About Lockdown Mode