iOS 17 is resetting some users’ privacy settings – and Apple is looking into it
If you are using iOS 17 on your iPhone, check your privacy settings as they may have just been changed without your permission.
This warning word comes from Mysk, a pair of iOS developers and cybersecurity researchers, on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter). They claim that an upgrade to iOS 17 can reactivate Significant Locations plus iPhone Analytics on your mobile device if they were disabled before downloading the update.
Significant Locations is a software tool that keeps track of “the places you’ve been recently, and how often and when you (visit) them.” The data is used to provide “app recommendations, Reminders in the Photos app”, according to 9To5Mac. The feature is end-to-end encrypted, meaning Apple has no access. However, Mysk states that this data “can (still) be misused because it records detailed information about the (places) you often visit.”
iPhone Analysisin contrast, Apple directly provides information about your device. It provides data on “performance metrics”, how you use your iPhone and how you use certain apps, among other things. It is intended to “help Apple improve and develop its products”; although, as Mysk notes, security experts recommend that you disable it.
In research
It is unknown what causes this problem. But there is good news. 9To5Mac states in their report that the “vast majority” of users are not affected by it. They will not experience any ‘unusual activity’. Apple also told the publication that it is currently investigating the situation.
Until a patch is rolled out, Mysk strongly recommends iOS 17 users disable both features by first going to the Privacy & Security section of the iPhone Settings mode. Then go to Location Services and finally tap on System Services. There you will find the two. It appears this is a one-off event. They are not reactivated a second time.
🚨PSA: iOS 17 turns these sensitive location options back on. If you turned off key locations and added your location data to your iPhone analytics before upgrading to iOS 17, iOS 17 will enable the options as shown in the screenshot. Although significant… pic.twitter.com/ROVEgPqw08September 23, 2023
In any case, this problem is easy to solve, even if it is concerning that some of your privacy protections may be disabled due to an apparent development mishap. iPhones may be super secure 99 percent of the time, but the one percent chance of your data being collected while you assume it isn’t is frustrating.
We encourage you to take your safety to the next level. Be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of the best iPhone VPN for 2023 to learn how you can start improving your online security.