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Study Shows Majority Of iPhone Users Don't Allow App Tracking

Turns out, privacy is pretty important to people

By Allison Murray Allison Murray Tech News Reporter Southern Illinois University Allison reports on all things tech. She's a news junky that keeps her eye on the latest trends. Allison is a writer working out of Chicago, IL, with her only coworker: her cat Norbert. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 10, 2021 11:16AM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Internet & Security Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming Since April's iOS 14.5 update, 95% of iPhone users have turned on the new App Tracking Transparency feature. According to Flurry Analytics, a media group owned by Verizon Media, only 5% of iOS users in the U.S. actually allowed app-tracking as of May 7. In comparison, 13% of users worldwide still opted to allow app tracking on their iPhones. Oscar Wong The study also shows that, when apps send user requests asking permission to track their data, few people are allowing them to do so. In the U.S., 3% of users have allowed apps to continue tracking, compared to 5% worldwide. The App Tracking Transparency feature allows you to turn on or off apps’ abilities to constantly track you behind the scenes. Many experts are urging people to turn off app tracking, some even calling the feature "the most significant improvement in digital privacy in the history of the internet." As part of iOS 14.5, the feature now automatically pops up when you download a new app and asks if you'd like to turn off tracking for the app or allow it. You can change the settings for apps already downloaded on your phone by going to the Tracking section under your phone's privacy settings, where you can permit tracking or remove tracking permission for each specific app. While Apple is the only company that has implemented this kind of feature that prioritizes user’s app data privacy, Google recently announced it plans to do something similar starting next year. Google will add a new safety section within the Google Play store to give Android users greater insight into how their smartphone apps use their personal data. The new policy that will officially begin in the spring of 2022 will require developers to disclose what type of data is collected and stored within their apps and how that data is used. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Use App Tracking Transparency on iPhone How to Use Siri on iPhone 12 How to Limit Ad Tracking on iPhone and iPad How to Lock Apps on Any iPhone How to Fix It When WhatsApp Isn't Working How to Use Cortana Notebook and Settings Features How to Use Safety Check on iPhone How to Hide IP Address on iPhone How to Protect Private Info Stored on Your iPhone How to Set up and Use Restrictions on an iPhone How to Control iPhone Safari Settings and Security iCloud Private Relay: What It Is and How to Use It How to Fix It When Facebook Dating Is Not Working How to Check Your iPhone Location History How to Use Data and Voice (HD Voice) on a Verizon iPhone How to Access Your App Privacy Reports in iOS 15 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies