When it comes to security and privacy, Apple has always been a trendsetter. Be it the robust Activation Lock or the USB Restricted Mode, the Cupertino-based company has always set an example for the rest to follow. And with iOS 14, the tech giant has taken its well-known obsession for robust privacy to another level by introducing several top-of-the-line features including “Local Network access restriction”. Unlike before, apps must ask permission to find and connect with devices on the local network. Further, iPhone users can manage local network access of apps in iOS 14 for better control.
For those uninitiated, Local network privacy is designed to offer enhanced transparency when apps connect to devices on your home network. If an app interacts with devices using Bonjour or any other local networking protocols, the developer of that app must add support for local network privacy permissions in the latest iteration of iOS.
Launch the Settings app on your iPhone running iOS 14.
Now, tap on Privacy.
Indeed, iOS 14 has decimated Android when it comes to security and privacy. Though Android has been playing a pretty good catch-up game thanks to the vast improvements in several departments including privacy, Apple’s offering is miles ahead. And with the latest version of iOS ticking off all the important boxes with the inclusion of features like Home screen widgets, App Library, and of course the super handy Back Tap custom control, the gap seems too large to be filled anytime soon.
