Apple’s recent rollout of iOS 26 has stirred buzz among iPhone enthusiasts. This update not only revamps the user experience with new features like call screening and new ringtones but also significantly enhances privacy measures. With improved defenses against digital fingerprinting, users can enjoy heightened security across their devices.
As technology evolves, the threat of digital fingerprinting—the ability for advertisers and companies to create detailed profiles based on your online behavior—has become a pressing issue. Such practices can lead to intrusive ads, price discrimination, or even governmental surveillance. Apple acknowledged this concern, emphasizing their commitment to user privacy in the latest update.
iOS 26 incorporates robust privacy features that are enabled by default, ensuring users get the best protection without additional configuration. However, it’s essential to know where these settings are located to maximize security on devices running iOS.
Accessing Advanced Privacy Features
To locate the Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protections in your iPhone:
1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and tap Apps.
3. Select Safari from the list.
4. Tap on Advanced at the bottom.
5. Now select Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection.
In this menu, you’ll find options: Off, Private Browsing, and All Browsing. For ultimate protection, select All Browsing, indicated by a check mark. Apple asserts that this update now secures all browsing in Safari, safeguarding your browser and device data from being used to create digital fingerprints.
It’s crucial to realize that this protection is specific to Safari. If you often use alternative browsers, they may not afford similar safeguards. While blocking fingerprinting enhances your data privacy, it could affect your browsing experience by limiting website functionalities.
The Importance of Enhanced Digital Privacy
With digital privacy continuously under scrutiny, Apple’s protective measures come at a pivotal time. Recently, Google revised its digital fingerprinting policy in December 2024, claiming that advances in privacy-enhancing technologies allow for better user protections. This shift was partly driven by the emergence of new ad-supported devices and platforms.
In contrast, critics like the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office have raised alarms over such changes, arguing that they could diminish user control over personal data. They labelled Google’s decision as “irresponsible,” echoing a sentiment that still resonates with privacy advocates today.
To further bolster your digital privacy, consider using a combination of tools. Although a VPN helps conceal your IP address, it’s not a complete solution. A privacy-oriented browser or extensions, such as Privacy Badger from the Electronic Frontier Foundation, can enhance your protection when browsing. Additionally, engaging services that can remove existing data from the internet can help in managing your digital footprint more effectively.
For a deeper dive into the capabilities of iOS 26, you may explore how to adjust the Liquid Glass effects or enable call and text screening features on your iPhone. Also, check out our detailed iOS 26 cheat sheet for all the essential updates.