Apple: What is your Device doing?

Apple has added a tool as of iOS 15.2 that is an effort to increase transparency to users on what their devices are doing. To turn it on, go to Settings > Privacy > App Privacy Report (It is at the bottom). Right away you will see nothing. If you return in a day or so, your device will show a large amount of information.

Your report is broken down into four sections: 

• Data & Sensor Access – What apps have access to things on your phone.
• App Network Activity – What your apps are doing on the internet.
• Website Network Activity – Same as above, but only for your browsers.
• Most Contacted Domains– What are the top domains your devices are accessing.

At this time, this feature is mildly interesting and does not drive any significant changes to a person’s life. The information is generally difficult to understand and make informed decisions. The Data & Sensor Access section is helpful for apps that access things you do not think they should need. Often apps have access to things they don’t need. For example, a calculator app that has access to Location. Is that required?

For more information on this feature, check out apple support. HERE