The iPhone will soon advise you if your handset is being tracked
It’s hardly news or a surprise that Apple cares about security and privacy. The tech giant is immersed in legal battles on several fronts over the security of its iOS devices. While most of the attention towards Apple’s security and privacy concerns are directed at the court battles, one user on Reddit has discovered that Cupertino is also worried about transparency when it comes to whether or not iOS devices are being tracked by an organization or enterprise through Mobile Device Management (MDM).
An iPhone lock screen, displaying text indicating the device is being tracked by an enterprise or organization.
Credit: Reddit user MaGNeTiXApple Configurator and other MDM deployment scenarios allow companies to track and manage the iPhones and iPads issued to their employees. With iOS 9.3, beginning with beta 5, any confusion as to whether or not the company is actually doing so will go right out the window. Such management will be clearly marked in the About page of the Settings app, as well as the bottom of the Lock screen.
If you truly don’t think your company-administered iOS device is locked down somehow, you’re pretty naïve. Still, current versions of the mobile operating system don’t prominently indicate whether or not such control is actually taking place, and I’m sure more than a few people forget to think about that. A blatant warning of the tracking on the lock screen is sure to be a big help. Furthermore, it’s one more step in Apple’s effort to help people become more aware of their privacy and personal security, or lack thereof.
While iOS 9.3 is currently in beta, it’s widely expected to be publicly released later this month, either the day of or in advance of the rumored March 22 Apple event that should see the announcement of a new 4-inch iPhone and a refreshed iPad Air or 9.7-inch iPad Pro.