Apple Tightens Restrictions on Apps Requesting Full Address Book Access in iOS Update

Introduction

Apple is set to introduce significant changes in its latest iOS 18 update, aimed at enhancing user privacy. One of the key features is a new two-step permissions pop-up screen that will give users more control over which contacts an app can access. This move is expected to impact social apps that have been relying on users’ address books to connect with friends or make suggestions for who to follow.

Background

In iOS 18, Apple is cracking down on the practice of social apps asking for full access to a user’s contacts. While this may seem like a minor issue, it has significant implications for how social media platforms operate. Many popular social apps have been using users’ contact lists as a way to grow their networks quickly, often without users’ knowledge or consent.

The New Permissions Pop-Up Screen

The new two-step permissions pop-up screen will first ask users if they want to share their contacts with an app. If the user grants access, they will then be given the option to choose which contacts they want to share, rather than giving full access to all of them. This change is designed to give users more control over their personal data and prevent apps from exploiting it for their own gain.

The Impact on Social Apps

The introduction of this new feature is likely to have a significant impact on social apps that rely on users’ address books to grow their networks. Some popular examples of such apps include Lapse, Poparazzi, Clubhouse, and Amo ID, which all required full access to users’ contacts in order to function. While these techniques may provide an initial boost in user adoption, they often fail to drive sustainable growth in the long term.

The End of Growth Hacking?

The new feature is being seen as a significant blow to social apps that have been using address book access as a way to grow their networks quickly. Developer Nikita Bier joked on X that it was "the end of the world" for these types of apps, highlighting the potential impact on the social media landscape.

The Benefits of Enhanced User Control

The introduction of this new feature is being welcomed by security and privacy experts, who see it as a step in the right direction towards protecting users’ personal data. Mysk, a security firm, wrote on X that the change would be "sad news for data harvesting apps", while another user noted that it would finally allow them to grant access to specific contacts rather than giving full access.

Limiting Contact Access

In addition to the new permissions pop-up screen, iOS 18 will also introduce a feature that allows users to limit contact access on a per-app basis. This means that users can choose which apps are allowed to access their contacts and which ones are not. This level of control is expected to be particularly useful for users who want to balance their need for social media with the desire to protect their personal data.

Conclusion

The introduction of this new feature in iOS 18 represents a significant shift towards enhanced user privacy and control over personal data. While it may have an initial impact on social apps that rely on address book access, it is likely to benefit users in the long run by giving them more agency over how their data is used.

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