Apple will now let you bequeath your data to loved ones

In the new software update of iOS 15, Apple users can add a legacy contact for their Apple ID, who will gain access to all the data they've stored in the account, in case they pass away.

The data will include photos, videos, messages, notes, files, apps they've downloaded, device backups, and more. However some information like film, music, books, or subscriptions they've purchased cannot be passed on, and neither will their data saved in Keychain such as payments information and passwords.

The trusted legacy contact doesn't need to have an Apple ID or an Apple device but just needs to be over the age of 13 to access all the data once someone has passed away. The legacy contact will just need an access key that the loved one created when making them their legacy contact, and the loved one's death certificate. After the information has been verified, the chosen contact will receive a special Legacy Contact Apple ID. The original account holder's Apple ID will no longer function and the activation lock will be removed from all devices with that Apple ID. 

The legacy contact will have access to all the data for a limited period of three years from the date of account request approval, after which the legacy account will be deleted permanently. Apple users can add more than one legacy contact, granting access to more people who will have full control over what gets done with the data.

To add legacy contact, users will need to go to Settings on any Apple device, tap their name, then Password and Security, and lastly, click Legacy Contact. To add a legacy contact, users will need to authenticate their ID using a passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID. If you're in a Family Sharing group, you can easily click on any member you choose as your legacy contact.