ESPOO, Finland — When you unbox that shiny new iPhone or sleek MacBook, you’re probably eager to dive right in and start exploring. But before you get too carried away, there’s something you should know: those pre-installed apps that come with your device might not be as innocent as they seem. A startling new study by researchers Amel Bourdoucen and Janna Lindqvist of Aalto University in Finland pulls back the curtain on the privacy implications of Apple’s default apps like Safari, Siri, iMessage and Find My.
What they discovered is enough to make even the most devoted Apple fan think twice.
Let’s start with the basics. When you first set up your iPhone or MacBook, you’ll be greeted by a friendly setup wizard that guides you through enabling various features and apps. Things like Siri, Apple’s helpful virtual assistant, or Find My, a handy tool for locating lost devices. Seems harmless enough, right?
Not so fast. Researchers have found that the privacy settings for these default apps are often misleading or downright confusing. Take Siri, for example. When prompted during setup, you can choose to enable Siri or “Set up later in settings”. You might reasonably assume this means Siri is turned off until you manually turn it on. But in reality, Siri still collects data from your apps even when it’s disabled. It’s like a nosy neighbor peeking through your blinds even after you’ve asked them to stop.
And it’s not just Siri. The study found that many privacy settings for default apps are scattered across multiple menus, often in places you wouldn’t even think to look. Some settings are not even mentioned in Apple’s official documentation. It’s like playing a frustrating game of hide and seek with your personal information.
But what exactly do these apps collect, you might ask? Researchers have compiled a list and it’s enough to make your head spin. Safari, Apple’s default web browser, can collect your IP address, browsing history, and even sensitive information like your payment methods. Siri saves information from your contacts, your music preferences, and the names of your devices. iMessage and FaceTime can access things like your call logs and the apps you use. The list goes on and on.
Now you might be thinking, “Okay, but I can just go into my settings and turn all of this off, right?” Well, it’s not quite that simple. The study found that even when users think they’ve disabled data sharing for an app, their information was still being collected offstage. It’s like trying to break up with a clingy ex who just won’t take the hint.
The implications of all this are particularly worrisome when it comes to features like Family Sharing. This allows you to share things like locations and purchases with other family members, which can be handy. But it can also open up a whole can of worms when it comes to privacy. Do you want your teenage child to know your every move? Or does your husband see every app you’ve ever downloaded? These headaches can add to the tension in the household, the researchers suggest.
So what can be done about all this? Researchers have some suggestions. First, they argue that Apple needs to be much more transparent about what data its apps collect and how users can control it. No more burying settings in obscure menus or using confusing language. They also recommend providing clear instructions and reminders to users about their privacy choices, rather than just a one-time setup process.
At the end of the day, it’s up to all of us to be proactive in protecting our digital privacy. This means taking the time to understand what our devices and apps are really doing, not just blindly clicking “I agree” on every prompt. That means advocating for better privacy protections and holding tech giants like Apple accountable.
Because as convenient as that iPhone in your pocket or that MacBook on your desk might be, it shouldn’t come at the cost of your privacy. In the age of big data, it is more important than ever to be informed and vigilant. Your devices may be smart, but with a little knowledge and effort, you can be smarter.