The iPhone provides a multitude of services to millions of tech-savvy consumers, who demand perfection from their devices. Recent findings, however, have unveiled a particular feature of the phone’s software that has its users up in arms.
Experts have uncovered a hidden log on the iPhone containing a history of the locations where the device has gone. This folder has raised suspicions that Apple has been tracking the location of its users. Some have argued that this tracking is a violation of their privacy and that Apple has no right to implement such a program on their phones.
Critics have the right to be suspicious, but this tracking serves purely as a tool to bring new features into the phone’s applications. The iPhone with its tracking systems is able to perform useful tasks and this application along with storing of information bring positive improvements and should be acceptable for the use by the company.
One particularly useful application that the tracking system uses is “Google Maps.” This app allows for users to navigate from one place to another by being guided along the way using the GPS location of the iPhone. With the tracking device, the iPhone is also be able to give real-time traffic reports and updates.
Another handy application, “Find my iPhone,” uses the tracking device of the phone to find the location of an iPhone. When lost, the device will track and display the location of the phone and will make locating misplaced or stolen iPhones easy.
Also, location-based advertising can also be useful to consumers. With the locating devices, users can learn about local restaurants and businesses.
These applications show the advantages that tracking functions bring. However some customers seem skeptical, and Apple has sought to combat criticism by updating the iPhone’s software.
Apple has released a new iPhone software update 4.3.3 that empties theProxy-Connection: keep-alive
Cache-Control: max-age=0
aches that hold memory of location after a few days. Apple also reassured its customers that Apple has been tracking the phones only through Wi-Fi hot spots and cell phone towers and any data gathered is sent anonymously back to Apple. Also, for many applications that utilize location, the iPhone gives the user the option to give their current location or not.
Users of the iPhone and other smartphones do have a right to be suspicious of the iPhone location tracker, as many users currently are. However, Apple has assured its customers and the United States government that locations will remain anonymous to the company and iPhone users can rest assured, knowing that Apple has taken steps to ensure their privacy.