Apple’s iOS 17 is another example of how Apple takes pride in endowing only the best privacy and security enhancement features for its users. So it is not surprising to know that iOS 17’s privacy features were outlined at the iPhone maker’s annual WWDC keynote. iOS 17 arrives in fall 2023.
Apple’s iOS 16 extended several safety features including Passkeys and Rapid Security Response. The quintessence of security and safety will continue reigning in iOS 17’s best privacy features. A feature called Sideloading is expected to arrive in iOS 17 although it remains missing from the beta version of the new iPhone software, so far.
Image Courtesy – Apple
Along with iOS 17’s new features, the MacOS Sonoma will be harboring newer privacy enhancements as well. Here are some of the lesser-known features of iOS 17 that will revamp the security enhancement features of the industry.
What’s New In iOS 17? A Sneak Peek At iOS 17’s Privacy Features
Technowize surmises a list of the hidden but best privacy features and security enhancements of iOS 17.
Boost To Lockdown Mode
In response to the increasingly common spyware attacks, Apple has enhanced its Lockdown Mode on iPhone, Mac, and iPad. The improved boost to Lockdown Mode is effective for content-sharing preferences and wireless communication defaults.
This secret feature of iOS 17 for iPhone security is aimed to protect journalists from malignant attacks of spyware. And is it important to note that Lockdown Mode renders the iPhone nearly useless as it limits device functionality. So while it might be an essential tool, it is essential to turn on Lockdown Mode only if one is certainly being attacked.
Amongst the best privacy features of iOS 17, the Lockdown Mode will include characteristics such as blocking iPhones from auto-joining insecure Wi-Fi or 2G networks. Furthermore, Lockdown Mode will also be arriving on Apple’s WatchOS.
Check In
The latest iOS features entail a new privacy feature named ‘Check In’ which will allow the user to notify selected contacts when one returns home after being away for any reason. It can be indicated as an automatic location-sharing feature which will send a message to your loved ones if you’ve not reached your destination by the expected time.
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For instance, if there is no reply on the Check In feature when prompted, it will share the details of your whereabouts (live location) to the chosen contact. The data is protected by gold-standard end-to-end encryption.
Private Browsing Locks Out
Browsing without leaving any trace behind? Apple’s iOS 17 privacy features have been privy to Private Browsing for years. But the security enhancement features of iOS 17 benefits Safari, which will automatically lock browsing tabs when left idle for a long duration. To resume viewing the tab, one can unlock it using TouchID, FaceID or a passcode.
Password and Passkey Sharing
While the thumb rule of passwords is to never share them, there might be instances where sharing credentials is a given. Apple’s iOS 17’s privacy features will now make the entire affair a secure one.
“The latest upgraded password sharing feature will protect digital and physical eyes from viewing private data.”
Sharing passwords over text will not be the ideal way so through iOS 17, sending s two-factor authentication code to the chosen contact will safeguard the password-protected account.
Live Voicemail
Screening your calls with Live Voicemail? It is soon becoming a reality. When you receive a call, Apple will automatically transcribe what the speaker says so you can decide whether you wish to pick up the call or deflect it to voicemail.
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Live Voicemail works over the layer of spam protection which is already built into the OS. One can even silence unknown callers which will be handled by Live Voicemail to avoid the ringing of such spam calls.
Sensitive Content Warning
People are prone to receiving sensitive content on their iMessage or AirDrop. But iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma will allow the option of not viewing it.
While the feature is optional, a notification will pop up if you want to view the contents when you receive something sensitive. Content detection will occur on the device, hence the data will not be available to anyone else.
This sensitive content detection feature also prevents children’s exposure to receiving or sending sensitive content.