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iPhone users have discovered that the latest Apple update automatically opts them in to use a “creepy-sounding” new setting.
Last December, Apple released iOS update 17.2. This adds NameDrop functionality and enhances the keyboard to make sending text messages more seamless.
In addition to these additional features, the company has introduced a new tool for people who are reluctant to write in a diary: the Journal app.
Preloaded programs allow users to input their thoughts, feelings, and reflections, as well as practice mindfulness and gratitude.
If you’re not sure how to go about journaling, the company also has a solution called “Journaling Suggestions.”
Toggle this setting to Yes to automatically allow your iPhone to access your saved phone data, such as photos and important locations, and start receiving personalized journal prompts.
However, some users who chose to peruse this setting also discovered that Apple enabled another iPhone feature by default.
Jaap Arrians/NurPhoto (via Getty Images)
The feature is called ‘Discovered by Others’ and, according to news.com.au, it will remain on even if you tap the Journaling Suggestions setting to turn it off and delete the Journal app.
When an iPhone user looks at their watch, their iPhone is turned on by default and they immediately advise others to turn off their iPhone for fear of sharing their name and location with others. Some people did.
But according to Apple, that’s actually not the case.
What does the “Discoverable by Others” feature do?
According to Apple’s Journaling Suggestions and Privacy page, this option can discover other users nearby who have turned on the Journal app setting.
Therefore, contextual information, such as the number of contacts around you, is collected and can influence later journal prompts that your iPhone sends.
Anita Cott/Getty
But thankfully, the “discoverable” setting isn’t as scary as it sounds, and Apple says it poses no privacy risk.
According to Popular Science, this setting won’t save your phone’s contact details and won’t suggest contacts to write in your journal app. Apple doesn’t see any data either.
The site says: “The other person will only see a prompt like ‘Dinner with friends’ if many other iPhones show up in the evening, for example. They also won’t have your location tracked or saved somewhere.” It’s not like I’m going to do anything.”
So while “discoverable” may be an undesirable feature for some, it’s not as sinister as you might think.
How to turn off the “Discoverable by others” setting
Apple automatically turns this setting on, but it’s very easy to turn it off.
STR/NurPhoto (via Getty Images)
So if you’re not too keen, just go to the journaling suggestion in your iPhone’s settings and tap to turn it off.
For even more security, Apple users can also turn off the Journal app’s ability to sense the number of nearby devices and contacts and create writing prompts.
Again, you need to go to “Journaling Suggestions” and turn off “Prioritize Suggestions with Others”.
UNILAD has reached out to Apple for comment.
Topics: Apple, iPhone, Technology
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