iOS 13 will not only introduce many useful features – data protection will also be further increased under the new iPhone operating system.
According to a new report from The Information, there will be a fundamental change in iOS 13 that will force Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and other messaging services to restructure. The small change, invisible to users, is quite significant. The PushKit VoIP API for third-party apps with voice call functions is to be significantly restricted. This previously made it possible to intercept data in the background. Apple itself has been under pressure several times in recent months - the demand was to restrict third-party applications' access to the iPhone and a user's individual data. The innovation introduced in iOS 13 will prevent applications such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Co. from running the Internet Call API in the background for purposes other than establishing a connection - Apple's latest step thus leads to more privacy and increased data protection. Currently, the function ensures that calls are put through even when the app is closed. The problem is that developers can also collect data from other areas using the current version.
Redesign of some apps conceivable
Due to the general restriction of background access under iOS 13, the revised API will only put through calls. According to anonymous sources, WhatsApp is said to have also used this API for its end-to-end encryption. If this is true, the app will have to undergo a major redesign. Other applications will not have it easy either - the adaptation to the new interface is said to be more extensive. A redesign of some apps cannot therefore be ruled out. Apple itself did not comment on the report. Only Facebook contacted The Information to emphasize that the company has never abused the API to collect data. The statement reads: "The changes in the upcoming iOS versions are not insignificant but we are in discussions with Apple to clarify how we will proceed. To be clear: We use the PushKit VoIP API to provide a first-class, private messaging experience, not for the purpose of data collection." – said the Facebook spokesperson. Apple AirPods with wireless charging case on special offer on Amazon – only for a limited time (Photo by Unsplash)