Apple has a strong reputation for protecting user privacy, but one feature that often raises eyebrows is the “Significant Locations” setting. Buried deep within your iPhone’s menus, this feature logs the places you’ve visited, complete with date and time stamps. While it’s not as alarming as it sounds, it’s essential to understand what data is being tracked and how to disable it if it makes you uncomfortable.
View the location data
To start, head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. This section shows all the apps that have access to your location. Scroll down to the bottom, and you’ll find System Services. Here, Apple details all the ways your device uses your location. The purple arrows show which services have recently accessed your data.
Next, tap on Significant Locations. Before you can see the details, you’ll need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. Once inside, you’ll see a list of places you’ve visited, along with dates and times. Tapping on any location brings up a detailed map. While this might seem unsettling at first, it’s worth noting that this data is stored locally on your device and not shared with Apple.
Why does this even exist?
Apple uses this location data to power various features, such as predictive traffic routing, Siri suggestions, and even reminders of where you parked your car. Ever wonder how iOS knows to suggest your workout playlist when you reach the gym, or to surface relevant apps based on where you are? That’s Significant Locations at work.
If you decide this feature isn’t for you, toggle off Significant Locations at the top of the screen. You also have the option to tap Clear History to remove any data that has already been stored. Keep in mind, though, that certain services may not work as seamlessly without it.
Security implications
A common concern is whether Apple, like other companies, is using this data to track or profile users. Fortunately, the answer is no. Apple has made privacy a core part of its business model, and this data is encrypted end-to-end, meaning Apple can’t read or access it even if it wanted to. This sets Apple apart from companies like Facebook or Google, which rely on user data for targeted advertising.
While Apple can’t access this data, it’s important to remember that anyone with physical access to your phone and passcode could view this information. If you share your device with someone or live in an environment where privacy is a concern, turning off Significant Locations might give you added peace of mind.