Mehaniq/Shutterstock Apple has turned user privacy (and the security that goes with it) into a top priority for its products over the years, whether hardware or software. It wasn't just a marketing message. Many Apple devices and several key Apple apps are end-to-end encrypted. Apple also offers ways to reduce online user tracking via apps and services on the iPhone and iPad and in the Safari browser . The company has built tools that reduce location data collection over the years, and it has developed a method to offer private cloud-based AI services. Finally, the company has a strong, device-level tool that can strengthen the protections against malware and spying attacks, improving user privacy in the process. Apple's relentless pursuit of privacy has indirectly benefited people who do not use Apple devices or services.…