IPhone Users Migrating to iOS 14 En Masse
- by Joann Nelson
- in Sci-tech
- — Dec 18, 2020
Facebook has attacked Apple in a series of newspaper ads, claiming that the privacy changes in iOS 14 will damage small businesses that rely on targeted advertising. You can read it in full below, thanks to Twitter user Dave Stangis.
Facebook's recent move to join in Epic Games' big fight against Apple could in fact change the whole dynamic of how the general public perceives these particular legal battles.
[44%] of small to medium businesses started or increased their usage of personalized ads on social media during the pandemic, according to a new Deloitte study.
Changes coming in iOS 14, the software that powers iPhones and iPads, include requiring apps to ask users for permission via the tracking feature to collect and share device-identifying data. "Tracking refers to the act of linking user or device data collected from your app with user or device data collected from other companies' apps, websites, or offline properties for targeted advertising or advertising measurement purposes", the company explains in a developer-focused support page. But it will force Facebook to give iOS users the option whether or not to opt in to these services. Of course, Apple does make money from its advertising business but it's not completely dependent on it.
Google says that the Safari gameplay experience is still in development, and additional features and performance improvements will be added going forward as it gathers user experience data. Apple's own apps follow these rules too, it's worth noting.
Apple vs. Facebook: What Policy From Apple Has Facebook So Upset?
In a weird move, Facebook has taken out full-page ads in major US newspapers to accuse Apple of hurting small businesses. Apple spokesman Fred Sainz declined to comment on Facebook's allegations.
"Small businesses deserve to be heard", Facebook writes. This was prior to a suit brought against Facebook for practices that the government claims are anti-competitive. Users also should have a choice to allow apps to collect their data. Facebook's Levy said that while his company doesn't agree with Apple, it will comply with the new rules.
However, it appears that Facebook plans to run another ad against Apple on Friday, as per BuzzFeed News editor John Paczkowski who shared a draft text of its contents. "We believe that this is a simple matter of standing up for our users".
Apple and Google have said the commission they charge is in line with what most other app marketplaces charge and helps cover the cost of store services they provide, such as user privacy and security.
While not applicable to Facebook apps, Apple will reduce its App Store revenue cut from 30% to 15% starting next year for developers that generate up to $1 million per year.
