Apple has equipped iOS 14 and iPadOS 14 for iPhone and iPad with even greater security, with the aim of keeping your data safe.
iOS 14 has been released in several countries – Greece hasn't come yet – and if you're brave enough to install it, you'll get a few new security and privacy features. Some are visible and others are hidden in the operating system.
But let's see what these new settings and features are that you need to know about.
Access to camera and microphone
Whenever an app accesses your camera or microphone, a dot will appear above the signal strength meter. A green dot for camera access (similar to the green LED that lights up on a Mac when the camera is on) and an orange dot for microphone access.
Also, if you access Control Center, there is a notification at the top that shows recent apps that have accessed the camera or microphone.
It works automatically, no user-input , and there is no way to disable it.
Copy/paste notification
When data is copied and pasted, a notification appears on the screen in the form of a pop-up window. This is a simple but effective way to know if your apps are spying on you.
It works automatically, no user-input is required, and there is no way to disable it.
Don't let apps get your precise location
You now have the option to allow apps to access your general location, but not your precise location. It's nice to have the option to use location data without giving access to your precise location.
To access this setting, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services, then check the settings for apps that have access to your location.
Applications that request local network access
Another thing you'll see after installing iOS 14 / iPadOS 14 is apps requesting access to your local network. Some apps do need it — they might be used to control Bluetooth or WiFi gadgets — but others have no reason to need access.
And if you change your mind, you can go to Settings > Privacy > Local Network and change the setting.
Stop Wi-Fi tracking
iOS 14 / 1PadOS 14 can provide a random “private” MAC address when you connect to a Wi-Fi network. This can prevent you from being tracked when you use network connections.
This feature is enabled by default and you can find it by going to Settings > Wi-Fi, then clicking the “i” in a circle next to the network.
If you have problems on certain Wi-Fi networks, you may need to turn the feature off.
