Apple vs. Google: A Privacy Comparison (2024)

FAQs

Apple vs. Google: A Privacy Comparison? ›

Apple uses end-to-end encryption, which only allows the user access to certain sensitive data. Google does not offer this for Google Drive. Apple has stricter policies for third-party app developers and requires user consent before sharing data. Google has less strict policies and may share data without consent.

And that's what most interesting here—Google taking a lead in messaging and user transparency on the privacy front, ground that has always been Apple's in the past. As ever with this level of phone security and privacy, it's good to have even if it won't be a game-changer for the vast majority of users.

Contrary to the claim that what happens on your iPhone stays there, Apple constantly gathers data from your phone whenever you use Apple services, the App Store, or the Apple News or Stocks apps, each of which has its own privacy policy . Apple can see all your data in iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar.

Apple uses personal data to power our services, to process your transactions, to communicate with you, for security and fraud prevention, and to comply with law. We may also use personal data for other purposes with your consent. Apple uses your personal data only when we have a valid legal basis to do so.

Apple closely guards its source code, while Android has made most of its operating system open-source. Apple's closed-source code makes it harder for hackers to find security flaws.

Google collects a wider range of data about its users compared to Apple, including information from search queries, location data, and data from third-party websites and apps that use Google's advertising and analytics services.

With Private Browsing, Safari won't remember the pages you visit, your search history, or your AutoFill information. Private Browsing also blocks known trackers, removes tracking used to identify individual users from URLs, and adds protections against advanced fingerprinting techniques.

For all devices running iOS 8.0 and later versions, Apple is unable to perform an iOS device data extraction as the data typically sought by law enforcement is encrypted, and Apple does not possess the encryption key. All iPhone 6 and later device models are manufactured running iOS 8.0 or a later version of iOS.

No. We regularly receive law enforcement requests for information about our customers and their Apple devices. In fact, we have a dedicated team that responds to these requests 24/7.

The collected information does not identify you personally and can be sent to Apple only with your explicit consent. Analytics may include details about hardware and operating system specifications, performance statistics, and data about how you use your devices and applications.

Does Apple really have good security? ›

Is iPhone really secure? Apple has a strong reputation for its security. It has various built-in features to increase your online security, including malware protection, Passkeys, and customizable information-sharing choices for apps.

Apple products and features include innovative privacy technologies designed to minimize how much user data anyone can access. This is why Safari throws trackers off the trail. It's why the Health app keeps user records under wraps, and why Siri learns what the user needs rather than who they are.

iOS operating system security. Apple's iOS is known for its tight security since Apple doesn't share its source code with developers or allow users to easily modify their device code. That can make it more difficult for hackers to find vulnerabilities in iOS devices.

What's the hardest phone to hack? Android phones are generally considered less secure than iPhones thanks to Apple's focus on encryption. But both are more susceptible to hackers thanks to their popularity.

Safari is more secure and privacy-friendly than Chrome, but Chrome is faster and offers enhanced performance.

Apple may be your choice if you prioritise convenience and a cohesive user experience. If you prioritise flexibility and accessibility, Google may be the better option.

Google answered 88% of questions correctly, while Apple scored 75%, Alexa scored 72.5%, and Cortana came in with 63%. Google Assistant is still at the top, but now with a score of 92.9% for answering questions correctly. Siri correctly answers 83.1% of questions, while Alexa gets 79.8% correct.