Google Fi VPN Starts Rolling Out to iPhone Users

[MacRumors]

Google has announced its is rolling out Google Fi's built-in VPN service to iPhone subscribers, giving iOS users another way to ensure that their connection is secure and private on a cellular or Wi-Fi network.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1408146615140032512

The rollout is a little later than expected, having previously been touted for release in the spring, and Google has said in a tweet that not all iPhone on Google Fi users will have immediate access to the VPN feature. However, the company says it should be widely available "over the coming weeks."

Using the VPN, users can stream, browse, and download over an encrypted, private connection, which is especially important for unsecured public Wi-Fi. As well as encrypting all traffic between a computer and the internet, VPNs also prevent websites from tracking a user's location by masking their IP address.

Google Fi's VPN rollout comes ahead of a new upcoming online privacy feature from Apple called Private Relay. Exclusive to paying iCloud+ subscribers, Private Relay is not being advertised as a VPN by Apple nor is it a like-for-like replacement for one, but it does encrypt Safari browser traffic and uses multiple relay "hops" or proxies to securely route that data and keep it private.

Article Link: Google Fi VPN Starts Rolling Out to iPhone Users

 

[Apple Knowledge Navigator]

A Google VPN?

Now there’s a contradiction if ever I heard one…

 

[h3ysw5nkan]

iCloud Relay only works with Safari? Not all apps?!

 

[lyngo]

A Google VPN?

Now there’s a contradiction if ever I heard one…

Was thinking the same thing!

 

[mazz0]

Private Relay is not a VPN nor is it a replacement for one

Can we get a little clarity on why it isn't a replacement for one? Seems to me it depends what your use-case for a VPN was. If it was to mask your identity and location when browsing the web then Private Relay is indeed a substitute for one (provided you don't need to mask the country you're in).

iCloud Relay only works with Safari? Not all apps?!

Is this why?

 

[jvaska]

Yet another way for Google to track you. Just say No.

 

[ian87w]

Why can't Google release its VPN as a standalone feature for markets that do need VPN. (the US doesn't censor their internet at ISP level, unlike some countries like mine).

Right now I'm using ProtonVPN, and its free tier does the job for quick access.

 

[Unggoy Murderer]

Friendly reminder: Google is an advertising company, not a technology company.

If you even remotely care about your privacy, you won't use this service. This will just let them get all the traffic that they can't hoover up through your usage of Chrome.

 

[Khedron]

Can we get a little clarity on why it isn't a replacement for one? Seems to me it depends what your use-case for a VPN was. If it was to mask your identity and location when browsing the web then Private Relay is indeed a substitute for one (provided you don't need to mask the country you're in).



Is this why?

If you don't use the defining features of a product then almost anything can replace anything else. An iPod is a replacement for a car if your use case is to listen to music on the radio.

 

[Abstract]

Is this free? If it’s not, then why wouldn’t I just pay another VPN service?

 

[diamond.g]

Is this free? If it’s not, then why wouldn’t I just pay another VPN service?

If you are a Google Fi user it is free.

 

[genovelle]

If you don't use the defining features of a product then almost anything can replace anything else. An iPod is a replacement for a car if your use case is to listen to music on the radio.

The defining features are that users can stream, browse, and download over an encrypted, private connection, which is especially important for unsecured public Wi-Fi. As well as encrypting all traffic between a computer and the internet, VPNs also prevent websites from tracking a user's location by masking their IP address.

Relay provides all of this if you are using Safari, with out forfeiting your privacy to Google.

 

[Apple_Robert]

iCloud Relay only works with Safari? Not all apps?!

That is correct.

 

[dsabathi]

Is this free? If it’s not, then why wouldn’t I just pay another VPN service?

Nothing is free with google. You always pay with your data

 

[SurferPup]

Was thinking the same thing!

Me too. All encrypted data will be securely uploaded to Google servers then sold to their affiliates.

 

[Rob198612]

It’s not really private if they log everything you do just saying.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

A Google VPN?

Now there’s a contradiction if ever I heard one…

Indeed. "Google" and "Privacy" in one sentence? Mmmmh ?

 

[dogslobber]

I trust Comcast more.

 

[Bogstandard]

As they say....Foxes and Henhouses..

21st century, and the fox buys the henhouse.

 

[mejsric]

If you are a Google Fi user it is free.

FREE!...?

ooohhhhkkkeeey!…

 

[deeddawg]

Fox volunteering to guard the Henhouse is sure to work out great.

 

[rgeneral]

Google VPN. Secure connection to capture your data for advertising

 

[ChromeAce]

This may need to be explained to some. Instead of hiding your activity from your ISP (Google Fi) like a normal VPN would, Google VPN hands it over on a silver platter… because the VPN and ISP become one. (It is now legal for ISPs to market your browser history.)

Google VPN is the equivalent of letting Bill Cosby be the bartender at your daughter’s wedding.

 

[Kissmo1980]

Google and VPN

Is like drinking beer while eating watermelon - recipe for diarrhea.

And to think so many will fall for this.... sigh....

 

[diamond.g]

FREE!...

okey!

It is free as in you don't pay any more than your standard Fi bill to use it. Same way that Private Relay is free.