Apple's iOS 18 update restricts app permissions to address book access

In a move that could revolutionize user experience, Apple is set to introduce a new two-step permissions pop-up screen in iOS 18. This change aims to give users more control over the contacts an app can access, putting an end to social apps that ask for full address book access as a condition of use.

The Problem with Social Apps

Social apps often rely on accessing users’ contact lists to connect friends or suggest who to follow. However, this has been exploited by some developers to block users from accessing their app if they decline to share their contacts. For instance, photo-sharing app Lapse used a mechanism that forced users to invite friends in order to join, while apps like Poparazzi and Clubhouse demanded full address book access.

The New Permissions Screen

In iOS 18, the new permissions screen will have two stages:

Initial Request: Users will be asked if they want to share their contacts with the app.
Second Stage: If the user allows access, they will be given an option to choose which contacts they want to share.

This means that users can now limit access to specific contacts or even deny access altogether. The second stage is particularly significant, as it gives users more control over who has access to their contact list.

Impact on Data Harvesting Apps

The changes in iOS 18 are welcome news for security and privacy advocates. As Mysk wrote on X, "sad news for data harvesting apps…" This suggests that the new permissions screen will make it more difficult for apps that harvest user data to access their contact lists.

No Changes Required by App Developers

One of the key aspects of iOS 18’s new feature is that app developers do not need to make any changes to implement this functionality. The new screens will appear automatically when an app asks for access to the Contacts.

What This Means for Users

The introduction of a two-step permissions pop-up screen in iOS 18 has significant implications for users. It means that they can:

Limit Access: Users can choose which contacts to share with an app, rather than granting full access.
Deny Access: Users can deny access to their contact list altogether.

This change is particularly relevant for apps that have repeatedly asked for address book access even after being denied. With iOS 18’s new feature, users can grant access but limit which contacts the app can actually ingest.

Example Use Case

To illustrate this, consider an example where a user wants to use a social media app but is concerned about their contact list being accessed by the app. In the current system, they may be forced to share their entire contact list as a condition of use. However, with iOS 18’s new feature, they can now choose which contacts to share or deny access altogether.

The Future of User Experience

Apple’s move to introduce a two-step permissions pop-up screen in iOS 18 marks a significant shift towards greater user control over their data and contact lists. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is essential that companies prioritize user experience and security.

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About the Author

Sarah Perez is a Consumer News Editor at TechCrunch. She has worked as a reporter since August 2011 and previously spent over three years at ReadWriteWeb. Prior to her work as a reporter, Sarah worked in I.T. across various industries.