E-Paper
Sign In
Recent data breaches? 7 Apple privacy features every iPhone user should know about
From Passkeys to Locked Apps, here are Apple's built-in privacy features that every iPhone user should know about amid growing cyber threats
- PUBLISHED: Thu 2 Jul 2026, 6:22 PM UPDATED: Thu 2 Jul 2026, 8:17 PM
From large-scale data breaches to increasingly sophisticated phishing scams and security concerns, the past week has been another reminder that protecting your personal information is no longer optional. While no smartphone can eliminate every cyber risk, Apple includes several built-in privacy features that can significantly reduce your exposure if you know where to find them.
Here are seven iPhone privacy tools every Apple user should be aware of.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Recommended For You
1. Private Browsing in Safari
Safari's Private Browsing mode does more than hide your browsing history. Apple says it also blocks advanced trackers and fingerprinting techniques that websites use to identify your device. Private tabs automatically lock when you're away from your iPhone, adding another layer of protection.
2. Lock or Hide Sensitive Apps
If you occasionally hand your phone to someone else, consider locking or hiding apps containing private information. Hidden apps disappear from the Home Screen, Search and notifications, and can only be accessed using Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.
3. Replace Passwords with Passkeys
Passwords remain one of the biggest security weaknesses online. Passkeys replace them with unique cryptographic credentials stored securely on your device. Because they aren't reused across websites, they're far more resistant to phishing attacks and credential leaks.
4. Protect Hidden Photos
Many people don't realise that the Hidden and Recently Deleted albums in the Photos app are locked by default. Access requires biometric authentication or your device passcode, helping keep sensitive images private.
5. Review Safety Check
Originally introduced to help people experiencing domestic abuse, Safety Check also serves as a useful privacy dashboard for everyone. It lets you quickly review and revoke location sharing, shared passwords and app permissions from one place.
6. Control App Tracking
Apple's App Tracking Transparency framework requires apps to ask permission before tracking your activity across other companies' apps and websites. If you prefer not to be tracked, you can disable requests entirely in Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking.
7. Turn on Mail Privacy Protection
Many marketing emails contain invisible tracking pixels that reveal when you've opened a message and sometimes even where you are. Mail Privacy Protection helps block that by hiding your IP address and preventing senders from knowing if or when you've read an email.
None of these features can stop every cyberattack, especially if you're tricked into sharing information yourself. But together, they can make your iPhone considerably more private and reduce the amount of personal data exposed to cybercriminals.
Want to know more about your favourite tech products, brands, and video games? Check out the links below or click here to see Khaleej Times' coverage on technology.
