Apple is going to scan images you download too, not just ones you take with your camera. Leaving their ecosystem is way more important than just getting a standalone camera.
When did it became like that? Their only saving grace was that they were okay-ish with user privacy.
From [0]
'These features are coming later this year in updates to iOS 15, iPadOS 15, watchOS 8, and macOS Monterey.'
So yes.
Also by the OP:
> iMessage encrypts messages end-to-end by default; however, if you have iCloud backup turned on, your messages can be accessed by Apple (who has the keys for iCloud backups) and, by extension, law enforcement with a warrant.
So if you use iMessage and iCloud Photos then they will be scanned by Apple. Won't be surprised to see the on-device scanning feature more prevalent on M1/M1X Macs.
Yes, with iCloud backup turned on, messages can be accessed by Apple, that hasn't changed, has been the case for a decade. It is specifically written in the technical document that they are not scanning the iMessages photos in the cloud the same way that they would scan your iCloud photos.
https://www.theverge.com/22573519/apple-private-relay-icloud...