Apple bans apps offering you rewards for switching off iOS 14.5’s app tracking

No tricks or treats

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Apple’s iOS 14.5update is finally out and one of the most talked-about features isapp tracking transparency. NowApplehas announced that any apps that reward you for turning on data tracking will be banned from the App Store.

App tracking transparency is a new data privacy feature that will let you control how apps track you when you aren’t using them. The apps can still track you on their own platform, but not what you do on others without asking first.

However, blocking tracking will most likely negatively affect the finances for many developers, so offering an incentive to accept is in their best interests. Apple’s newHuman Interface Guidelinesshould protect you from any apps hoping to manipulate you into being tracked.

Why should I opt in to app tracking?

The idea of allowing an app to follow you around as you use your iPhone or iPad isn’t the most appealing, but are there any incentives to want to opt in to app tracking?

Given that apps can’t reward you, the main draw will be more relevant content. If an app wants to show you an advert or highlight a post, having an accurate idea of what you’d be interested in will let them show you something you actually want to see.

However, there are arguments that they could still build a picture of you from within their own app, and who really cares if an advert is relevant or not? We’ll have to wait and see how companies react and cope with the change, but hopefully, these privacy options will appear on Android handsets soon.

If you’re especially worried about tracking, particularly on non-Apple devices, check out ourbest VPN guidefor tools to help protect your privacy.

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Hamish is a Senior Staff Writer for TechRadar and you’ll see his name appearing on articles across nearly every topic on the site from smart home deals to speaker reviews to graphics card news and everything in between. He uses his broad range of knowledge to help explain the latest gadgets and if they’re a must-buy or a fad fueled by hype. Though his specialty is writing about everything going on in the world of virtual reality and augmented reality.

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