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Apple’s iOS 14 operating system update has just been released, with a ton of new game-changing features to increase your security and privacy. Apple first confirmed many of these new iPhone features in June at its WWDC conference, and now I’ve been using the finished version of iOS 14 for a few days.
Apple’s iOS 14 operating system update has just been released, with a ton of game-changing new features. … [+]
My first impression is that it’s a welcome update to the brilliant security and privacy features already available since iOS 13, giving you a lot more control over who can track you on your iPhone. But iOS 14 takes that a step further with the much more granular controls we need in our everyday lives as privacy on the iPhone becomes even more important.
Here are some tips based on the features I have enabled since upgrading to iOS 14.
Location privacy
I’ll start with the best. Apple’s iOS 13 started the attack on location privacy, with options to track location only when using an app. Now, in iOS 14, a new feature lets you give a rough location to apps that need to know where you are to function properly, without revealing exactly where you are.
This was the first privacy feature I used in iOS 14 as I was very excited for it. You can find it by going to Settings> Privacy> Location Privacy.
Precise iOS 14 Location Controls
In iOS 14, apps that have requested access to your location will appear here. A handy little arrow system shows you three different scenarios. A hollow arrow means that the item can receive your location under certain conditions, a purple means that it has used your location recently and a gray arrow means that it has used your location in the last 24 hours.
A hollow arrow means that the item can receive its location under certain conditions, a purple means … [+]
You can then control each app you are using on iOS 14. When you open it, you will see the option to allow location access and an explanation of how the app uses your data if allowed. Interestingly, you will also see the “Precise Location” switch.
The explanation explains that this allows applications to use your specific location. “With this setting disabled, applications can only determine your approximate location.”
Of course, the benefits are huge. Although some apps ask for your location and don’t need it, some, like weather apps, will be fine with a rough idea of where you are, without compromising your privacy.
Other ways to maximize iPhone privacy
There are other ways to maximize your privacy on your iPhone. In your privacy settings, you can go to Analysis and improvements and disable data sharing here. Another important privacy feature is found under Privacy> Tracking: You can disable the ability to allow applications to request to track you on third-party websites and applications. This privacy change is featured as a pop-up-only option in an iOS 14 update in 2021, but was delayed after complaints from Facebook and others.
How to prevent apps from tracking you on your iPhone
In the meantime, if you go to Apple Advertising, you can also disable personalized ads.
Lastly, while looking at your iPhone’s privacy settings, why not review the permissions you have given each app and adjust them if they don’t suit your purposes?
Other security and privacy features in iOS 14
Starting with iOS 14, Apple has also improved privacy in its App Store by asking developers to be transparent about the data they collect. You can check this even before downloading an app on your iPhone.
Meanwhile, a new recording indicator light (an orange dot on your iPhone) in iOS 14 lets you know when an app is using your camera or microphone. In Control Center, you can see if any apps have used them recently.
Apple has already given people a lot more control over their privacy, but iOS 14 takes it to the max. Once you’ve installed iOS 14, going through your apps and making sure your iPhone is as locked as possible is quite satisfying, and it doesn’t take long to do.
