• Source:JND
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JE Technology Desk: iOS 17 was announced by Apple at WWDC 2023. Soon after the first showcase, it was available to select beta testers. One feature the company rolled out (and showcased at WWDC) in the new iPhone OS is tracking prevention in Private Browsing Mode.

In the new iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and macOS Sonoma, Apple Safari can automatically clip tracking parameters from URLs (Uniform Resource Locator) when browsing the Internet in Private Browsing Mode to curb cross-website tracking, according to MacRumors. Once the browser detects a tracking parameter in a weblink, it automatically clips these components from the link while keeping the URL in working condition. Despite the change, the link will continue to work as normal without unique identifiers.

Also Read: WWDC 2023: These iPhones Will Get iOS 17 First; Should You Wait For iPhone 15 Series?

Apple has termed the new features as Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection. This is also supported in Messages and Mail apps. Further, a user can turn it on for regular browsing in Apple's browser also.

How to enable the feature in Apple Safari?

Step 1: Open the 'Settings' app on your iPhone

Step 2: Tap on 'Advanced'

Step 3: Look for 'Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection

Step 4: Select 'All Browsing'

You can disable the feature via the same option.

The Cupertino, California-based tech giant shared a demo of the feature in action. In the video, Safari trims the "click_id" parameter from the link, which allows advertisers to track user activity across websites.

To try out the new feature, you can head to make an Apple developer account and register for the beta build of iOS 17 and macOS Sonoma.

As for other updates on the new iOS 17, a Screen Distance feature that alerts users when they hold the phone considerably close to their vision has also debuted. Moreover, a new option that lets users reset new passcode using their old ones is also present in the new offering.