During the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2020 , Apple announced new features for iOS and macOS users that enhance privacy and security.
Like last year, this year saw a strong focus on improving privacy and tackling aggressive online advertising. Apple announced three key features that will make it much harder for track users advertisers .
Accurate information about the data collected by applications
One of the most important new features is the disclosure of the data collected.
According to Apple, this new UI system will allow users to know what kind of data each app about them. Additionally, each app will have to accurately disclose each type of data it uses to track users online.
Apple said this new system will be added to all of the company's app stores, not just apps . The "disclosures" will be visible on every page of the app, so users can make informed decisions and avoid apps that collect more data.
Special permission to track users while using apps
Apple also said that apps that allow users to be tracked while using other apps will now have to ask for specific permission from users.
Additionally, there will be some restrictions on location sharing. Starting in late 2020, users will be able to share location their approximate. No exact coordinates will be provided.
This feature was added to allow users to continue using certain apps, which require data , without sharing their precise location at all times.
Add an indicator for using the microphone or camera
Apple also added a new feature to deal with apps that secretly access an iOS device 's camera and microphone
The company plans to add a visual indicator to the iOS status bar, which will light up when the phone's camera and microphone are in use (similar to when a laptop's camera is in use).
The indicator, an orange dot near the network signal, will be used for both the camera and microphone and will light up when an app is using either.
Safari: New privacy button
This fall, the Safari browser will receive a major privacy-enhancing update . A new “ Privacy ” button will be added to the toolbar. This new addition will show users information about all tracking scripts loaded/blocked on the sites they visit.
Update to Sign-in with Apple
Sign -in with Apple allows users to sign in to third-party apps using their Apple ID. The feature will soon receive a new update.
