3 ms·

That data isn't actually shared with Apple. It's used on device by the client applications for those services.

jeffbee 5y ago
OK, but I don't find the distinction as stark as others on HN seem to. My location data being used by Apple-authored applications running on my device, none of which I've ever intentionally used, is not that different to me than my location data being used on my behalf by Google-written applications, many of which I personally enjoy, running in Google data centers. I like that I can see my location history in Google Maps for web, I also like that I can get that data as KML from Google Takeout.
- ocdtrekkie 5y ago
  Apple collects location data solely to help you. They've built themselves no financial benefit to collect it, so they keep it only on the device and discard it as much as possible, while still providing all the features users want. If you want a location tracker on iOS, you can install one, but it's not a condition of using their mapping product. Google has a financial incentive to violate your privacy, and all of it's products are designed to serve that goal. So everything that could stay on the device is designed to collect and send data to Google, for their purposes, while they tell you it's to benefit you. It's a very distinct difference, and the entire design of their respective ecosystems reflects that.
  - bozzcl 5y ago
    As an ex-Android user who switched to an iPhone because of privacy concerns, I’d still like sources and hopefully proof for these claims. The more I think about it, the more I suspect trusting another big tech company with my privacy with no material proof other than their word might have been foolish.
    - ocdtrekkie 5y ago
      It can be difficult to vet closed source applications, but I think this policy describes a truly stark difference between the two: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212039 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212039 Whereas every location ping is seen by Google as an opportunity to attach data to your account, Apple Maps goes beyond not tying to your account, but regularly trying to make it difficult for them to tie the activity to any sort of cohesive profile entirely.
throwaway15593 5y ago
Unless it isn't. From Apple's site: "By enabling Location Services for your devices, you agree and consent to the transmission, collection, maintenance, processing, and use of your location data and location search queries by Apple and its partners and licensees to provide and improve location-based and road traffic-based products and services." You might want to look up the meaning of the words partners and licensees. "Location-Based Suggestions: The location of your iPhone will be sent to Apple to provide more relevant recommendations. If you turn off Location Services for location-based suggestions, your precise location will not be sent to Apple." So...not sending your precise location. But sending something not precise. To Apple. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207056 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207056

OK, but I don't find the distinction as stark as others on HN seem to. My location data being used by Apple-authored applications running on my device, none of which I've ever intentionally used, is not that different to me than my location data being used on my behalf by Google-written applications, many of which I personally enjoy, running in Google data centers. I like that I can see my location history in Google Maps for web, I also like that I can get that data as KML from Google Takeout.

ocdtrekkie 5y ago
Apple collects location data solely to help you. They've built themselves no financial benefit to collect it, so they keep it only on the device and discard it as much as possible, while still providing all the features users want. If you want a location tracker on iOS, you can install one, but it's not a condition of using their mapping product. Google has a financial incentive to violate your privacy, and all of it's products are designed to serve that goal. So everything that could stay on the device is designed to collect and send data to Google, for their purposes, while they tell you it's to benefit you. It's a very distinct difference, and the entire design of their respective ecosystems reflects that.
- bozzcl 5y ago
  As an ex-Android user who switched to an iPhone because of privacy concerns, I’d still like sources and hopefully proof for these claims. The more I think about it, the more I suspect trusting another big tech company with my privacy with no material proof other than their word might have been foolish.
  - ocdtrekkie 5y ago
    It can be difficult to vet closed source applications, but I think this policy describes a truly stark difference between the two: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212039 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT212039 Whereas every location ping is seen by Google as an opportunity to attach data to your account, Apple Maps goes beyond not tying to your account, but regularly trying to make it difficult for them to tie the activity to any sort of cohesive profile entirely.

throwaway15593 5y ago

Unless it isn't. From Apple's site: "By enabling Location Services for your devices, you agree and consent to the transmission, collection, maintenance, processing, and use of your location data and location search queries by Apple and its partners and licensees to provide and improve location-based and road traffic-based products and services." You might want to look up the meaning of the words partners and licensees. "Location-Based Suggestions: The location of your iPhone will be sent to Apple to provide more relevant recommendations. If you turn off Location Services for location-based suggestions, your precise location will not be sent to Apple." So...not sending your precise location. But sending something not precise. To Apple. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207056 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207056