Apple’s iMessage is getting a security feature straight out of a spy movie

Apple’s iMessage is perhaps one of the most popular messaging apps out there. Although it is limited to iOS users and has yet to release to the Android masses, it offers some of the best chat and security features. End-to-end encryption has been a part of iMessage since the service launched, but Apple is making it even more secure with a new feature.

A security feature of Apple’s chat app called iMessage Contact Key Verification will allow users to verify that they are only messaging the people they intend to talk to.

Users who have enabled iMessage contact key verification will receive automatic alerts if a “highly advanced adversary,” such as a state-sponsored attacker, ever manages to break into cloud servers and eavesdrop on encrypted iMessage conversations.

We know what you’re thinking – “That will never happen to me.” You’re probably right. iMessage’s advanced security feature may be overkill for regular folks like us, but Apple says it’s aimed at “users who face extraordinary digital threats — like journalists, human rights activists and members of government.” If you belong to these groups, this might be a key feature for you.

Apple didn’t go into much detail about how Contact Key Verification will work when it launches in 2023. However, the company said that users who enable it will be able to match a contact’s verification code in person via FaceTime (which is also encrypted end-to-end) and through another secure call.