iOS apps will require secure HTTPS coections by 2017 - CNET

Earlier this week at a security presentation at WWDC, Apple aounced that iOS apps have until January 1, 2017, to enable a security feature called App Transport Security.

ATS was first introduced with iOS 9, and it forces apps to use HTTPS coections rather than HTTP coections when coecting to the web. The more secure coection type authenticates coections and encrypts data transmissions, meaning data caot be easily read if improperly accessed.

The feature is particularly important in banking and messaging apps, but soon ATS will be mandatory across all apps sold in the App Store.

Currently, ATS is opt-in, which allows apps to send unsecured data over the inteet. Moving to HTTPS coections ties in with Apple's stance on privacy, best exemplified in its refusal to unlock an iPhone used by one of the shooters involved in the San Beardino massacre.