I read in an article that messages saved in iCloud are not encrypted, is that accurate? If true, are passwords saved in iCloud encrypted? I have searched community Q&A, and find differening information depending on the year. It's 12-28-25, using OS Tahoe 26.2 for reference.
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.2
I think you will find this Support Article helpful that discusses the difference in Standard Protection and Advanced Data Protection. It also shows which encryption method is used on each data category.
iCloud data security overview - Apple Support
I think the confusion you have seen is whether it is Apple or you holding the key for the encrypted data. For data that is End to End encrypted that Apple does not have a key, it will be lost if you do not have a Trusted Device to access your data. This is the case for much of the encrypted data and the majority if using Advanced Data Protection.
To answer your questions specifically, YES both your Messages and Passwords are End to End encrypted where only you have the key. There are no iCloud Backups being made on a Mac where that data would be stored.
I think you will find this Support Article helpful that discusses the difference in Standard Protection and Advanced Data Protection. It also shows which encryption method is used on each data category.
iCloud data security overview - Apple Support
I think the confusion you have seen is whether it is Apple or you holding the key for the encrypted data. For data that is End to End encrypted that Apple does not have a key, it will be lost if you do not have a Trusted Device to access your data. This is the case for much of the encrypted data and the majority if using Advanced Data Protection.
To answer your questions specifically, YES both your Messages and Passwords are End to End encrypted where only you have the key. There are no iCloud Backups being made on a Mac where that data would be stored.
Is iCloud in 2025 encrypted or not
