As an iOS developer, you are aware of the importance of privacy and security in your apps. With the latest update to iOS 14.5, Apple has introduced new features that give users more control over their data and how it is collected and used by apps.
Changes in iOS 14.5
Apple has introduced several new features in iOS 14.5 that aim to improve user privacy. The most significant change is the App Tracking Transparency feature, which requires apps to ask for permission before they can collect and use data from other apps on the user’s device.
Another change is the Automatic Background App Refreshing feature, which disables background app refreshing by default. This means that your app will only refresh in the background when it needs to update content or perform a critical task. This feature helps to conserve battery life and improve privacy by reducing the amount of data that is collected and sent to servers.
How to Prevent App Tracking in iOS 14.5
-
Before you start collecting data from other apps on the user’s device, you need to request permission from the user. Apple has provided a simple way to do this through the App Tracking Transparency feature. To request permission, open the “Settings” app on the user’s device and go to the “Privacy” section. Scroll down until you find the app that is requesting permission and tap “Ask App Not to Track.” If the user grants permission, your app can start collecting data from other apps.
-
App Library and Activity Views are new features in iOS 14.5 that allow users to view and manage their installed apps. These features help to improve privacy by hiding the apps that a user does not use frequently. To take advantage of these features, you need to optimize your app for these views. You can do this by adding metadata to your app’s manifest file, such as a description, screenshots, and other relevant information.
-
Automatic Background App Refreshing is a feature that allows your app to refresh in the background without requiring manual intervention from the user. This feature helps to conserve battery life and improve privacy by reducing the amount of data that is collected and sent to servers. To implement this feature, you need to set the “Background Modes” property in your app’s Info.plist file to “Refresh Content.”
-
App Extensions are a powerful way to collect data from other apps on the user’s device without requiring permission. With App Extensions, you can access data from other apps that have granted your app permission to do so. To use App Extensions, you need to create an extension for your app and register it with Apple.
Case Study: How a Popular App Prevented Tracking in iOS 14.5
A popular social media app recently updated its app to comply with the new privacy features introduced in iOS 14.5. The app requested permission for data collection and implemented Automatic Background App Refreshing to conserve battery life. Additionally, the app used App Extensions to collect data from other apps that had granted it permission. As a result, the app was able to maintain user trust and avoid any privacy issues.
FAQs
1. What is the App Tracking Transparency feature?
The App Tracking Transparency feature is a new feature in iOS 14.5 that requires apps to ask for permission before they can collect and use data from other apps on the user’s device.
1. How do I request permission for data collection?
To request permission for data collection, open the “Settings” app on the user’s device and go to the “Privacy” section. Scroll down until you find the app that is requesting permission and tap “Ask App Not to Track.” If the user grants permission, your app can start collecting data from other apps.
1. What is Automatic Background App Refreshing?
Automatic Background App Refreshing is a feature that allows your app to refresh in the background without requiring manual intervention from the user. This feature helps to conserve battery life and improve privacy by reducing the amount of data that is collected and sent to servers.
1. What are App Extensions?
App Extensions are a powerful way to collect data from other apps on the user’s device without requiring permission. With App Extensions, you can access data from other apps that have granted your app permission to do so.
