Researchers say iPhone usage data isn't as anonymous as Apple claims - Engadget

Code sleuths astatine Mysk are challenging Apple's vaunted absorption connected privacy. The developers assertion Apple's anonymous usage information for immoderate in-house apps includes a Directory Services Identifier (DSID) uniquely linked to your Apple ID and iCloud data. Apple could perchance usage this DSID to pinpoint your App Store browsing habits, according to Mysk. This seemingly contradicts Apple's assertion that "none" of the information is personally identifying, and appears to widen to iOS 16.

The researchers antecedently shared findings that iOS 14.6 sends ample volumes of first-party app enactment to Apple, adjacent if you wholly disable instrumentality analytics oregon different bounds collection. This includes your iPhone model, keyboard languages and different details that could theoretically beryllium utilized to fingerprint your device. Gizmodo notes that users filed a class enactment lawsuit against Apple aft Mysk published its privateness data.

We've asked Apple for comment, and volition fto you cognize if we perceive back. Mysk pointed retired that Apple's instrumentality to prevent third-party app tracking debuted successful iOS 14.5, truthful this shouldn't impact different bundle you usage connected your devices.

Just what Apple sees isn't clear. As Gizmodo explains, Apple encrypts the usage information and isn't needfully processing idiosyncratic and wide info together. The problem, arsenic you mightiness guess, is that Apple doesn't item its analytics postulation practices. There's a interest Apple mightiness not beryllium honoring its privateness promises, adjacent if the information gathering is limited.