Apple says to avoid Chrome
Apple has told iPhone users to stop using Google Chrome as it does not protect privacy well. The company says Chrome allows advertisers and websites to follow users across the internet. Apple’s main message is that Safari gives better privacy protection and should be used for daily browsing on the iPhone.
Safari fights digital fingerprinting
The company says digital fingerprinting has become a major concern again. Fingerprinting collects many small device details, such as browser type, screen settings, fonts, and hardware information. These details create a unique identity that websites can use to track a user without permission. To stop this, Apple says Safari shows a simple device profile. This makes many iPhones look the same to advertisers and reduces the chance of being identified. Apple also notes that Mozilla Firefox uses similar protections because fingerprinting is now a global problem. Apple says Safari uses built-in AI tools to stop cross-site tracking. It protects private browsing windows and blocks apps from gathering location information without approval. As per Apple, these protections work together to reduce unwanted data collection. Apple says Chrome does not match these privacy features.
Google app is part of problem
Apple says the problem goes beyond Chrome. Even users who choose Safari may still face risks when they visit Google Search. Many people see a large blue “Try Google App” button. Apple warns users not to tap it. According to the company, the Google app collects more personal information than Chrome. It can link this data to the user’s identity and create a more detailed profile. Apple also says Safari works well with Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Slides, so users do not need Chrome for work or school tasks.
Google’s data practices
Apple says Google can still identify users even when some privacy settings are turned on. To limit this, Safari hides device details and shows only a general “phone” identity. This makes millions of iPhones appear the same. Chrome continues to be one of the most used browsers in the world, with over three billion users. Apple says many people use it out of habit, not because it is safer. Apple’s advice is simple, i.e., use Safari instead of Chrome or Google apps for stronger privacy on the iPhone.
