Apple is rolling out a major update to Safari's private browsing system to give users better protection from third-party trackers while browsing the web.
The iPhone maker says: Advanced Tracking and Fingerprint Protection helps prevent websites from using the latest technology to track or identify users' devices. Private browsing can now be locked when not in use, allowing users to keep tabs open even when they are away from their device.
These privacy improvements were showcased last week at Apple's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). They are expected to roll out to users on iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma later this year.
Another major update includes link tracking protection in Mail, Messages, and Safari's private mode, which automatically removes tracking parameters in URLs that are often used to track clicks.
Apple's Craig Federighi told Fast Company: "Safari has always been a pioneer in private browsing and a lot of privacy and security features, and this year it just came back". "Browsing the Internet is one of the major privacy threat vectors".
Additionally, iOS has added an embedded photo picker that allows users to share specific photos with other apps while keeping the rest of their library private.
Apple is also further improving its "communication safety" feature, which warns children when receiving or sending dew point images in text messages, as well as 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 indecent 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 bringing new features to Lockdown Mode, including "more secure wireless connections, media handling, media sharing defaults, sandboxing, and network security optimizations." Enhanced security settings have also been extended to support watchOS.
Apple says: Turning on Privacy Lockdown Mode further strengthens device defenses, severely restricting certain features and greatly reducing the attack surface for those who need additional protection.