CONTROL: WHY iOS SHOULD BE KEPT LOCKED DOWN

Developers are quietly working on iOS 14 and its Mac and Watch counterparts, and many are wondering what the next-generation operating system will look like.

A Bloomberg report has shed some light, and Apple looks set to loosen its grip on its privacy-focused ecosystem.

APPLE MEANS PRIVACY

Ever since the introduction of iOS back in 2007 (formally iPhoneOS with the launch of the original iPhone), Apple’s stance on privacy has been clear. Though third parties are actively encouraged to build apps and experiences for Apple’s ecosystems, they must play carefully by the Cupertino company’s rules or be kicked out. Each piece of software designed for macOS, iOS, and watchOS is compartmentalized, existing in a bubble to ensure data isn’t transferred between apps to resell to advertising and e-commerce giants, something that sets Apple apart from its Android-powered rivals.

Apple’s privacy focus has not been without its controversy, though. Who can forget the FBI drama, in which US officials asked Apple to create a “back door” to iOS and iCloud for investigations? The company dragged its heels and decided against offering the government body access to its billions of users’ personal data. The FBI has since managed to crack the iPhone 11, demonstrating that Tim Cook and Co have a long way to go if they want to build a truly impenetrable device, but by setting itself up as the paragon of privacy, Apple’s managed to win over the support of the anti-Google, anti-Samsung brigade, and ultimately shift millions more iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, Macs, and subscriptions.