Apple has strongly advised iPhone users to stop using Google Chrome, citing serious privacy concerns.
The company explained that Safari provides protections Chrome cannot match, stating, “Unlike Chrome, Safari truly helps protect your privacy.”
Safari prevents advertisers and websites from collecting device details to create a digital fingerprint. Safari achieves this by simplifying device setups so that many iPhones appear identical to trackers.
Apple noted, “Safari works to prevent advertisers and websites from using the unique combination of characteristics of your device to create a fingerprint to track you.” Presenting a generic “phone” identity makes it difficult for companies to single out individual users.
The risk of digital fingerprinting has increased after Google lifted its previous ban on this method. This tracking technique combines data such as browser type, operating system, fonts, and hardware details to create a unique identifier for monitoring user activity.
Apple joins Mozilla, which has added similar protections in Firefox, in taking steps to counter fingerprinting. Safari also incorporates AI-based tracking prevention, location-harvesting defenses, and strong private browsing protections. According to Apple, these features are not available in Chrome.
Additionally, Safari supports Google Sheets, Google Slides, and Google Docs, meaning users can access these services without relying on Chrome. Apple clarified that the warning applies not only to Chrome but also to other Google apps on the iPhone.
Apple further cautioned users about Google’s ability to collect data even when using Safari. A prominent blue button on the Google search page, labeled “Try Google App,” can lead to unintended tracking.
Apple warned, “If a user clicks that button by mistake, the Google app opens and collects even more personal data, more than Chrome, and links it to your identity.” Users are advised to avoid clicking this button to maintain privacy.
Despite Chrome still having over three billion users worldwide, Apple recommends a simple solution: switch to Safari or avoid Google apps on iPhone to ensure safer and more private browsing.
