iPhone Any one know how ios Mail app works?

[Cat3]

Hi All

I was wondering if anyone knows how the ios Mail app works exactly. I've recently been considering how much of my data and how many of my email accounts and passwords I want to share on-line. I know there are some authentication methods (OAuth etc) and encryption systems that are excellent out there, but I was considering using an email client that just talked directly to the mail servers.

Does anyone know if the Mail App on iPhones stores the credentials of multiple email accounts and their email message content on Apple (maybe even AWS) servers? Or does ios Mail authenticate direct to each email account's mail server. Any info would be gratefully received as I can't see much on Google.

Thanks a lot

 

[AndyK]

Credentials stored on your phone & connect directly to the mail service. Which type of encryption that uses depends on the service you use & what they offer.

 

[Cat3]

Thanks AndyK, I'm glad you said that, I was hoping that it worked that way with Apple. I'll cut to the chase, I was looking to find an app for my Android that worked as simply. I don't fancy the bundled Gmail app or Outlook, Cloud Magic, Blue Mail etc, (that use their own servers AFAIK) however, the two I've found that I think look OK are:
K-9 Mail (been around for ages and seems to be used by the security conscious)
and...
Aqua Mail
They quote:
"AquaMail is not cloud based, it works “the traditional way”, like Thunderbird or Outlook". Which sounds good to me...

Can anyone give a thumbs up or down to either of these, if they've run into them on their travels?

Thanks guys

 

[maxsix]

Apple knows exactly how it works.

That's why I use and enjoy the Gmail App

 

[Cat3]

Apple knows exactly how it works.

That sounds cryptic maxsix, I'm sure they do know how it works : -) Do you use and enjoy the Gmail App because you're happy with the privacy aspects of it compared with the ios app?

 

[AndyK]

I've used CloudMagic for years and since you're with Gmail you can authenticate with OAuth which gives them no access to your password anyway and the apps transmit to / from their servers with HTTPS, so you can't get more secure really unless you move to something like ProtonMail.

 

[Cat3]

I've used CloudMagic for years and since you're with Gmail you can authenticate with OAuth which gives them no access to your password anyway and the apps transmit to / from their servers with HTTPS, so you can't get more secure really unless you move to something like ProtonMail.

OK thanks AndyK for your take on it. I would love the security that Protomail gives you with all my email accounts but that ain't gonna happen overnight. I might apply to get one for secure stuff though. Have you got any thoughts on Aqua Mail?

 

[AndyK]

I thought Aqua Mail as Android only? Since you use Google it doesn't matter who you go with client wise really.

I would look at CloudMagic / Spark / Outlook. Server side hosting really isn't as scary as people think. If you're really that paranoid though, sticking with Mail.app will be your best choice over anything we could suggest here.

 

[Cat3]

I thought Aqua Mail as Android only? Since you use Google it doesn't matter who you go with client wise really.

I would look at CloudMagic / Spark / Outlook. Server side hosting really isn't as scary as people think. If you're really that paranoid though, sticking with Mail.app will be your best choice over anything we could suggest here.

Yeah, sorry Andy, Aqua Mail is only for Android and I was considering it for an Android phone. Scary server side hosting...aaagh. Yes I suppose I am a little bit paranoid but perhaps I need to learn to love the bomb, grow a pair and try out one of the apps you suggest out ;-)