Apple Responds to Report on iOS 13's Frequent Location Tracking Reminders, Emphasizes Privacy

[MacRumors]

As of iOS 13, apps are no longer able to present an "always allow" option when requesting access to a user's location. The only way to immediately grant an app continuous access to location is to navigate to Settings > Privacy > Location Services, tap on an app, and select the "always" option if available.

iOS 13 also periodically reminds users about apps that are continuously tracking their location, complete with a map of those locations. An on-screen alert provides users with options to continue to "always allow" ongoing access to their location or to limit access to while the app is being used.

In light of those changes, The Wall Street Journal today reported that some developers are concerned that the location tracking reminders will hurt adoption of their apps, while some iPhone users are said to have expressed frustration that the reminders appear every few days despite repeatedly selecting "always allow."

Apple responded to the report with a statement insisting that the changes were made to further safeguard user privacy.

"Apple has not built a business model around knowing a customer's location or the location of their device," an Apple spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal, adding that Apple builds its hardware and software with privacy in mind.

The amount of location data collected by apps while in the background has dropped by 70 percent since iOS 13 was released, according to Jason Smith, chief business officer of data intelligence company Location Sciences. Given how easily the data can be used to identify and track individuals, that is a promising sign.

Article Link: Apple Responds to Report on iOS 13's Frequent Location Tracking Reminders, Emphasizes Privacy

 

[m0sher]

In this day and age I love my privacy. Thank you Apple.

 

[cmChimera]

I would argue that there may be a slightly less obtrusive way of achieving this, but I agree with Apple mostly.

 

[1144557]

Im sure the devs are frustrated. They cannot steal and sell your data anymore and are losing money. Tough for those shady devs.

Yes the popup is a bit annoying every few days but far better than the alternative of letting apps do whatever they want to re-enabling settings you didnt want

 

[Bandaman]

Yep ... devs can go screw themselves. I'll take my privacy, thanks.

 

[baryon]

I like this feature actually. If there were no notifications, you could have apps that used your location all the time, all day, every day, for years, and you could totally forget about them. It's good to know what those apps that ask you to enable "Always allow" in the name of "the best possible user experience" bullsh*t are doing exactly. It's like you ask a stranger what time it is and they ask you for your wallet "so that they can provide you with the best possible answer".

 

[I7guy]

For the apps that are on the up and up, this change really shouldn't present a problem. However, good job Apple for implementing changes that further help to safeguard our privacy.

 

[1146331]

This almost reminds me of Windows Vista and their crappy implementation of the UAC dialog.

If I select always allow, I don't need nanny Apple to remind me every few days. I'm not an idiot [though they think all their users are].

 

[Zwhaler]

The amount of location data collected by apps while in the background has dropped by 70 percent since iOS 13 was released, according to Jason Smith, chief business officer of data intelligence company Location Sciences.

A round of applause for Apple for this laudable feat!

 

[jbachandouris]

This almost reminds me of Windows Vista and their crappy implementation of the UAC dialog.

If I select always allow, I don't need nanny Apple to remind me every few days. I'm not an idiot [though they think all their users are].

Exactly! And if I say I don't want the arrow, I DON'T WANT the arrow, I mean it!

 

[Bandaman]

This almost reminds me of Windows Vista and their crappy implementation of the UAC dialog.

If I select always allow, I don't need nanny Apple to remind me every few days. I'm not an idiot [though they think all their users are].

What are you even going on about? Are you just trying to be miserable for the sake of being miserable? It's a welcome feature.

 

[ZMacintosh]

would a Notification Center prompt be a bit less intrusive?

 

[Appleman3546]

While Apple’s business model may not rely on location, developer’s business model may rely on it and it is silly that Apple does not trust its own customers to make an informed decision itself. This article really highlights how developers would release apps elsewhere if there was an alternative way to do so in order to avoid Apple’s monopolistic App Store rules. Fortnite on Android is not on the google play store for instance, but is downloaded elsewhere to avoid some of the rules.

 

[PickUrPoison]

The amount of location data collected by apps while in the background has dropped by 70 percent since iOS 13 was released, according to Jason Smith, chief business officer of data intelligence company Location Sciences.

This is awesome. These devs complaints are the same type of bitching we heard when Apple prevented the abuse of cookies in cross-site tracking. I’m ok that they’re concerned. I’m also concerned—about my privacy. When they scream this loud, you know Apple has done something right.

Thanks Tim Apple!!

 

[MacsRgr8]

In this day and age I love my privacy. Thank you Apple.

It's one of the best USP's nowadays. Apple really is one smart company. 👏

 

[iGeek2019]

Meanwhile Siri begs to differ on the other hand 😂

 

[GreyOS]

Got a Tile Mate recently and noticed I get the location prompt every so often. It’s a bit annoying. The whole point of Tile is that it tracks your location.

Be cool if the alerts phased out slowly while the user is still selecting Always Allow. eg every week for a month, then every month for 6 months, then only every quarter or something

 

[imola.zhp]

Although a bit annoying right now, I think Apple will find a better way to display this information in the future. I would rather know than not. I love the "allow once" option when using an app.

Yes, app developers are likely unhappy, they will have a harder time selling our location information off to the highest bidders.

 

[GaryMumford]

There should be 3 options...
1: Only while using app
2: Remind me Later.
3: Always Allow
And Always should mean ALWAYS!
This should suit every user

 

[imarkers]

Where it starts to feel excessive is when iOS prompts you daily for apps like Google Maps. There needs to be some reason & logic put into the approval notification... a developer trust score, or a 3-time confirmation maximum would do the trick. Otherwise it’s just intrusive. I don’t need to be reminded every 3 days that I have authorized Google Maps to track my location for GPS navigation & timeline.

 

[NT1440]

I would argue that there may be a slightly less obtrusive way of achieving this, but I agree with Apple mostly.

Honestly I think Apple is making this as obtrusive as possible to send a message.

 

[Costino1]

Exactly! And if I say I don't want the arrow, I DON'T WANT the arrow, I mean it!

Well what about Clippy in Word? "Looks like you're typing a letter. Want help???!!!" "Go away Clippy! No one likes you!" "CLIPPY HERE AGAIN: NEED HELP!?!!?"

 

[Bandaman]

Where it starts to feel excessive is when iOS prompts you daily for apps like Google Maps. There needs to be some reason & logic put into the approval notification... a developer trust score, or a 3-time confirmation maximum would do the trick. Otherwise it’s just intrusive. I don’t need to be reminded every 3 days that Google Maps has been using my location data after I use it to navigate.

It's not just doing it while you navigate. It's doing it all day every day.

 

[jgelin]

I like my privacy, but if I explicitly in settings go and approve a weather app to track my location I should not need to approve it like once a week. That’s silly.

 

[1146331]

What are you even going on about? Are you just trying to be miserable for the sake of being miserable? It's a welcome feature.

Oh look, another person who has nothing to add to the conversation. Go read my comment again and use your head to think about it for a few, then get back to me.

I'm clearly complaining about how often this stupid popup comes up. Guess what buddy, apparently unlike some Apple users, I'm intelligent enough to use my device and secure it myself.

Apple really needs a "I'm not an idiot" feature to allow better control of how my device operates [e.g. I want my WiFi off when I press the WiFi button on the control center, I don't want to have to go to Settings to turn it off until tomorrow].