iOS 4.3.3: What It Means For You In Terms of Data Collection

There have been some concerns over the past few weeks regarding a rumor that Apple used the GPS module in iPad and iPhone devices for data collection purposes, making some feel that their privacy was being violated.

Phillip Schiller, senior vice president of worldwide product marketing for the company, stated, “We haven’t been tracking anybody. Never have, never will.”

Furthermore, he stated that “user confusion” played a big part in it, and no location data has been transmitted back to tracking logs through their servers.

Still, for those who still aren’t quite feeling secure about Apple’s technology, its latest universal update should put your minds at ease. Labeled iOS 4.3.3, the update is available for download, free of charge. With this update, the location cache on devices is reduced, which in turn prevents data from being stored in the long-term. iTunes also no longer backs up location data with each update as a device is synced up to a computer.

Thanks to this update, the only real location tracking that devices utilize will be those chosen by users, such as finding Wi-Fi hotspots or using GPS-related apps, such as Maps. The only downside is that it takes up a lot of space on the device, with the download clocking in at 666 MB.

Still, a small price to pay for peace of mind, right? Get lost, Big Brother.

• One iPad to Rule Them All
• Don't Touch That Dial: 6 Best Radio Apps For iPad
• Best Apps for Browsing and Sharing Files on the iPad