iOS 12 Initial Setup Privacy Disclosures
During the initial setup of iOS 12, Apple presents users with multiple privacy disclosures designed to outline how personal data is collected, processed, and protected. This overview details the specific privacy prompts, transparent data policies, and opt-in choices users encounter when configuring an iPhone or iPad running iOS 12 for the first time.
The Data & Privacy Icon and Splash Screen
One of the most prominent features introduced to the setup assistant in iOS 12 is the dedicated Data & Privacy screen. Represented by an icon showing two people shaking hands, this disclosure informs users that the icon will appear throughout the operating system whenever Apple requests access to personal information. The screen clarifies that Apple only collects personal data when it is necessary to deliver features, secure services, or personalize the user experience. Users are also provided a "Learn More" link detailing Apple's comprehensive privacy principles.
Location Services
The setup assistant prompts users to enable or disable Location Services. The accompanying privacy disclosure explains that enabling this feature allows Apple apps and third-party services—such as Maps, Camera, and Weather—to gather and use data based on the device's approximate or precise location. The disclosure clarifies that crowd-sourced location data and Wi-Fi hotspot information are collected in an anonymized and encrypted format, ensuring that the user’s identity is not tied to their location history.
Analytics and Diagnostics
iOS 12 includes disclosures regarding device usage and diagnostic reporting:
- Device Analytics: Users are asked whether they want to share diagnostic and usage data with Apple. The disclosure states that this information includes hardware and operating system specifications, performance statistics, and data about how the device is used. Apple notes that all collected analytics are scrubbed of personal identifiers and aggregated to improve system stability.
- App Analytics: A secondary option allows users to share crash data and usage statistics with third-party developers. The disclosure clarifies that developers only receive diagnostic metrics and that no personally identifiable information is provided.
Both options are optional and can be turned off during setup.
Siri and Dictation
When setting up Siri, a privacy statement explains how voice inputs are handled. iOS 12 discloses that voice recordings, spoken queries, and related device data (such as contact names and installed apps) are sent to Apple servers to process requests. Apple clarifies that this information is associated with a random, device-generated identifier rather than the user's Apple ID, preventing queries from being linked to personal accounts.
Apple Pay
If configured during setup, Apple Pay presents disclosures regarding transaction security. The text explains that actual credit or debit card numbers are not stored on the device or on Apple servers. Instead, a unique Device Account Number is encrypted and stored in the device's Secure Element. The disclosure also notes that Apple does not retain transaction information that can be linked back to the user.
Screen Time
As a new feature in iOS 12, Screen Time prompts users with a disclosure explaining how device usage is tracked. The disclosure informs users that insights regarding app usage, notifications, and device pickups are processed and stored locally on the device, or synced securely across personal devices via end-to-end encryption if an iCloud account is connected.