Apple stresses that its ad platform does not track users, or follow them across apps and websites. Additionally, the Cupertino tech giant also states that Apple’s advertising platform does not share personally identifiable user information with third parties. However, the company uses “contextual information” (more on that later) to deliver personalized advertisements to your iOS device. So if you no longer want Apple to collect your personal information for targeted ads, let me show you how to block ad tracking on iPhone and iPad.
How to Block Ad Tracking on iPhone and iPad (2021)
Before we get into the settings to block ad tracking, let’s first understand how it works and, more importantly, what kind of personal information Apple collects to serve personalized ads to iPhone and iPad users.
Where do ads served by Apple’s advertising platform appear?
Ads served by Apple’s advertising platform appear in three main places on your iOS device. This includes,
- App Store: Ads are displayed based on your search queries.
- Apple News: Ads appear based on the type of stories you like to read.
- Apple stocks: Ads are displayed based on the type of stories you prefer to read.
So, if you see personalized ads in these apps, you should know that Apple ad tracking is enabled on your iOS device.
What information does Apple’s advertising platform collect?
Apple says its advertising platform can use contextual information to serve ads. If you are wondering what information the company has access to, let me tell you, it includes information about your device, device location, and search queries.
- Device Information: Operating system version, network provider and connection type, your keyboard language settings and device type.
- Device location: If you have granted the App Store or Apple News access to your location, the Apple advertising platform may use your location to serve geographically relevant advertisements.
To note: Apple claims that your precise location is not stored. Furthermore, it also mentions that profiles are not built from device location information.
- App Store Searches: Apple’s advertising platform uses search-based queries to serve advertisements.
- Apple news and actions: Apple’s advertising platform keeps tabs on the type of story you’re reading and serves ads accordingly.
What are segments and how does Apple use them to serve targeted ads?
Apple says its advertising platform creates segments which are groups of people who share similar characteristics. It uses information about you to determine your specific segment and serves targeted advertisements accordingly.
To be more specific, Apple uses information such as your account information (such as your name, address, age, gender, and devices registered in your Apple ID account information), downloads, purchases, and subscriptions (such as like the movies, TV shows, music, books, and apps you download), Apple News and Stocks (like the topics and categories of the stories you read and the posts you follow).
To protect user privacy, Apple serves targeted ads only if more than 5,000 people meet the targeting criteria.
Block Apple Ad Tracking on iOS/iPadOS Devices
- Launch it Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Now press Screen time.
3. Then press Content and Privacy Restrictions.
4.Make sure the switch for Content and Privacy Restrictions is authorized.
5. Then press “Apple Advertising” under the Privacy section.
6. Now you may need to enter your screen time password. Finally, choose ” Not to allow ” to block Apple advertising.
Block Personalized Ads on iPhone and iPad
Apple also allows you to opt out of targeted ads on your iOS/iPadOS device. Keep in mind that opting out of personalized ads will only limit Apple’s ability to serve you relevant ads. Also, opting out of personalized ads will not reduce the number of ads you receive.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Now press Privacy.
3. Scroll down and tap Apple Advertising.
4. Next, turn off the switch next to Personalized ads.
Stop Apple Advertising on Your iPhone or iPad the Easy Way
That is just about everything! Now that you know how Apple’s advertising platform works, what all the information it collects, and how to opt out of ad tracking on iOS, you need to take steps to protect your personal information. Even though Apple is quite reliable in providing the necessary security and privacy for your data, you should follow your own instincts.
By the way, what do you have to say about Apple advertising and the kind of control it gives you? Share your opinions with us in the comments section below.
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