Location, Siri, HealthKit, ad tracking
iPhone
Apple collects less behavioral data than Google by design, but default settings on iOS still leak more than most users expect. These steps lock the biggest holes.
Audit apps with 'Always' location access
1-clickHighMost apps that request 'Always' don't need it. Apple's own guidance notes that 'While Using' is sufficient for nearly every consumer use case. 'Always' lets apps read your location in the background indefinitely.
Disable 'Allow Apps to Request to Track'
1-clickHighApple's App Tracking Transparency lets you block the cross-app tracking prompt entirely. With it off, apps can't ask for your IDFA — they get a zeroed identifier that's useless for cross-app profiling.
Turn on Advanced Data Protection
1-clickMediumAdvanced Data Protection extends end-to-end encryption to iCloud Backup, Photos, Notes, Reminders, Safari Bookmarks, Voice Memos, Wallet passes, and more. Without it, Apple can read this data and can be compelled to disclose it. With it on, even Apple cannot.
Delete your Siri & Dictation history
1-clickMediumSiri requests are sent to Apple servers for processing unless on-device Siri is enabled. Deleting history removes the stored recordings associated with your device.
Turn off Personalized Ads (Apple Advertising)
1-clickLowApple's own ad platform (App Store, Apple News, Stocks) uses your ID for Advertisers by default. Turning Personalized Ads off replaces it with a non-targeted placement.