Apple is rolling out a major update to its Safari private browser, giving users better protection from being tracked by third parties while browsing the web.
"Advanced tracking and fingerprinting protection features further prevent websites from using the latest technology to track or identify users' devices," Apple said.
"Private browsing now locks when not in use, allowing users to keep tabs open even when they step away from their device."
Last week, Apple previewed these privacy improvements at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). They are expected to roll out to users later this year as part of iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma.
Another key change includes link tracking protection in Mail, Messages, and Safari's private mode to automatically remove tracking parameters in URLs that are often used to track information about clicks.
"Safari has always been an obscure pioneer in private browsing with a lot of privacy and security features, and this year it's just a masterpiece," Apple's Craig Federighi told Fast Company. "Browsing the Internet is the main One of the privacy threat vectors."
Additionally, iOS has added an embedded photo picker that allows users to share specific photos with other apps while keeping other photos in the library private.
Apple is further improving its "Communications Safety" feature, which warns children when receiving or sending dew-point images in text messages to contain video content. Beyond that, the feature extends to AirDrop, FaceTime video messaging, and photo picker.
The privacy-preserving technology that underpins communications security is also expected to power Sensitive Content Warnings, an optional setting that helps adult users avoid receiving unsolicited nude images and videos via Messages, AirDrop or FaceTime video messages.
Users can also create a group through iCloud Keychain to securely share a set of passwords and keys with others. Everyone in the group can add and edit passwords to ensure they are up to date.
Finally, Apple is also bringing new features to Lockdown Mode, including "more secure defaults for wireless connections, media handling, media sharing defaults, sandboxing, and network security optimizations." Enhanced security settings are also being expanded to support watchOS.
"Enabling Lockdown Mode further strengthens the device's defenses, severely restricting certain features and greatly reducing the attack surface for those who need additional protection," Apple said.
"Lockdown Mode expands to provide additional protections for those who might be targeted by mercenary spyware because of who they are or what they do."
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