Apple is expected to introduce various new features with the incoming launch of its iOS 15.2 update.
According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple’s upcoming mobile operating system contains a number of new features bumping up privacy, among other things.
Here’s what users will get with the new software: nudity detection in the Messages app for devices used by children, new features for transferring your data when you die, and additional privacy controls.
The change to Messages is the most significant move, notes the report. Apple had attempted to launch a trio of new features geared toward protecting children earlier this year: the Messages feature, new options in Siri for learning how to report child abuse, and technology that would detect CSAM (child sexual abuse material) in iCloud photos. But the approach drew outcry from privacy experts, and the rollout was delayed.
While Apple is deliver the first two features with iOS 15.2, there’s currently no word as to when or whether the CSAM feature will reappear.
One of the other big features being added as part of iOS 15.2 is Legacy Contacts. This allows you to assign one or more of your contacts as people who will be able to gain access to your Apple ID account and iPhone data in the event of your death.
As well as them having to be assigned by you, they’ll also have to provide a copy of a death certificate before they can gain access, but without this they might not be able to access your account at all, meaning that memories, photos, and the like could be lost to time.
App Privacy Report will allow users to see what sensors and other data their apps have access to, where they’re sending users’ information to, and whether they can see a user’s location. It can also show users network activity from individual websites.
The Find My tool is also getting a bit better with iOS 15.2, as a new “Items that can track me” toggle is being added, allowing users to see any unknown items in their vicinity that can communicate with Find My.
Check out the full report on iOS 15.2 over at Bloomberg.
