Apple has added a huge privacy feature to your iPhone. From iOS 14.5 you can turn off app tracking. As a result, spy apps and websites are no longer allowed to track you over the internet. This way you block app tracking on your iPhone (or iPad).
Turn off app tracking: this is how it works
Have you downloaded iOS 14.5 (or iPadOS 14.5) yet? Then you have undoubtedly received pop-ups several times in which apps ask if they can follow you. This data is interesting for advertisers, because personal advertisements generate more money than general advertisements.
Do you experience the ‘follow requests’ as particularly interesting? Then turn off the app tracking! This not only saves you annoyance, but it is also better for your privacy. Here’s how to tap spying iPhone and iPad apps:
- Grab your iPhone and go to the Settings app;
- Scroll down and tap on ‘Privacy’;
- Choose ‘Tracking’ and slide the switch for ‘Allow tracking requests from apps’ so that the box turns gray.
Is the box gray already? Then you have previously indicated that you do not want to receive personalized advertisements.
This is how app tracking works
Disabling app tracking will stop advertisers from accessing your IDFA (IDentifier For Advertisers). This is a unique number that is linked to your iPhone or iPad. With this tracking code, apps and websites can keep an eye on what you are doing on the internet.
This data is interesting, because it allows advertisements that you come across online to be tailored specifically for you. If you enter “tv furniture” on a search engine, you will see advertisements from furniture stores in your area that are popular with people who share characteristics with you, such as age, gender, place of residence and more personal information.
If you turn off app tracking, advertisers can no longer access your personal advertising code. The consequence? Complaints become less personal. When typing the above search query, you will, for example, see advertisements from furniture stores with national coverage.
Advertisers are looking for loopholes
Personal advertisements yield much more than general advertisements. Many apps and websites that are ‘free’ make their money this way. Facebook, for example, is strongly against this new way of working. It therefore led to quite a conflict between Apple and Facebook.
Some ad agencies feel cornered and are therefore looking for ways to get around Apple’s app tracking. They do this by enticing iPhone and iPad users to allow follow requests, for example by offering a discount on a subscription, or by offering a lesser version of the app / website.
Is an app trying to trick you into accepting app tracking? That is not the intention. Apple’s policy is crystal clear: apps that try to convince consumers to accept follow requests will be banned from the App Store.
More tips for iOS 14.5
Normally, Apple adds few features to iPhone interim updates, but iOS 14.5 is an exception to the rule. For example, you can now use Face ID while wearing a mouth mask. In addition, the update puts a lot of effort into privacy and you can get started with hundreds of new emoji.
Also read: iOS 14.5: the 10 most important new functions at a glance