Privacy

Privacy is the right to the security of one's own personal information.

History at Apple
Apple drew attention to the topic by holding a Data Privacy Day on January 28, 2021. Apple introduced privacy controls in iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and macOS 11.3 in April 2021 to prevent apps and websites from clandestinely tracking the activity of users without their explicit permission. is reportedly planning to file a lawsuit against Apple's anti-tracking feature changes as "unfair" as the changes directly affect its ability to earn revenue from the gathering and marketing of user data.

"I believe people are smart and some people want to share more data than other people do. Ask them. Ask them every time. Make them tell you to stop asking them if they get tired of your asking them. Let them know precisely what you’re going to do with their data."

- Steve Jobs, 2010

In iOS 15, iPadOS 15, and macOS Monterey, Apple is planning to deploy additional privacy features:


 * No tracking pixels: The Mail app will use s to prevent email marketers from detecting when and where messages were opened through the use of hidden pixels.
 * Private Relay: paid subscribers of iCloud's storage service (iCloud+) will be provided a proxy service that hides user IP addresses.
 * Hide My Email. iCloud subscribers will also be able to use temporary "burner" addresses in the Mail app.
 * App Privacy Report: users can find out which apps gather data for sale to 3rd parties, and track the apps' access to the microphone and camera.

Some privacy features will not be available in China in order to comply with local regulations.