Skiff Mail Takes a Leap Forward in the Battle for Online Privacy
In a significant move towards enhancing user privacy, Apple has incorporated the encrypted email service, Skiff, as one of the default email options on all iOS devices.
This strategic addition aims to provide users with a more secure email experience and encourage a shift away from mainstream Big Tech applications.
Skiff: Empowering Privacy as the Default
Skiff, an encrypted email service, firmly believes in making privacy the default setting for online interactions. Recognizing the need for simplicity and accessibility, Skiff’s CEO, Andrew Milich, emphasizes that safeguarding one’s privacy online should be easy and not limited to individuals with specialized knowledge.
Milich states, “Choosing to protect your privacy online needs to be easy—not a privilege reserved for people who have time to jump through hoops or get a cryptography degree.” Consequently, becoming a default iOS mail app was a critical step toward realizing Skiff’s mission.
Founded in 2020 by Andrew Milich and CTO Jason Ginsberg, Skiff aims to empower users with greater control over their shared information on the internet. In 2021, Skiff launched its initial product, Pages, followed by the release of Skiff Mail and Drive in 2022.
Zero-Trust Privacy: Skiff’s Approach
Skiff operates on the zero-trust privacy principle, ensuring that no sensitive user information, such as location data, is stored or collected. All data transmitted through Skiff is end-to-end encrypted, providing an additional layer of security.
Furthermore, Skiff’s commitment to transparency is evident through its open-source nature.
To make Skiff Mail your default mail app, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the Apple Store and download the Skiff Mail app onto your device.
- Proceed to “Settings” and select “Skiff Mail.”
- Set Skiff Mail as your default email app.
By incorporating Skiff as a default mail app, Apple takes a bold step towards prioritizing user privacy. This move encourages individuals to embrace secure email services and fosters a culture of privacy in an increasingly connected digital landscape.
Apple Recognizes Skiff’s Value
After two years of operation, Skiff has gained official recognition from Apple as a credible alternative to established players in the industry. Skiff now joins the elite group of default mail apps available on iOS devices.
According to Milich, this recognition is the culmination of over a year of continuous product improvements. These enhancements encompass features like enhanced offline support, secure sign-in options, and seamless compatibility with all email links on iOS.
While popular email services such as Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, and Spark were already included as default options, the privilege was not extended to many of the best-encrypted email apps available. Currently, ProtonMail, developed by the VPN provider of the same name, enjoys default status. However, other noteworthy encrypted emails providers like Tutanota, SecureMyEmail, and PrivateMail are yet to receive this distinction.
Apple’s Commitment to Privacy
Milich expresses delight in Apple’s prioritization of privacy and its collaboration with Skiff to seamlessly integrate end-to-end encrypted email into iOS. This partnership signifies a shared dedication to enhancing user privacy and protecting sensitive information.
