Why is analytics data collected whi I have sharing turned off

Chicago_Mike wrote:

So you’re saying Apple collect data even if a customer declines to share?

It is important to differentiate between "collecting" and "sharing". It is also important to clarify where "Apple" is.

Yes. Apple does collect analytics data even if the customer declines to share. But this is not Apple collecting your information over the internet. This is Apple software generating files on your device. If you have turned off sharing, then those files just get created and eventually deleted.

What happens if your phone is hacked? Is Apple responsible?

iPhones are very secure. The few people who do get hacked usually do so because they did something they shouldn't have, like jailbreak their phone to install some pirate, illegal software. Just because nobody openly admits to this doesn't mean it never happens. Software piracy is absolutely huge. That is why jailbreaking exists.

Also what happens is some one turns on sharing with out understanding all old history will be shared?

That is probably the reason why it works the way it does. If someone experiences a problem and wants Apple to investigate, those files have to exist in the first place.

Analytics data gets purged. On the two local devices just checked, the filenames indicate that's happening after about a week. If you're looking in analytics files, you can find older dates when older stuff is referenced.

If the analytics files are not being automatically purged, back up, factory reset, and restore.

How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (includes links to backup and restore).

Chicago_Mike wrote:

So you’re saying Apple collect data even if a customer declines to share?

No, I did not. Re-read what I wrote. Specifically: “with your permission”. Apple only collects that data with your permission. Now if you meant… does an Apple device accumulate local analytics data and not collect it, yes, yes, your iPhone or iPad does accrue analytics data locally. This all hinges on which meaning of “collect” was intended.

What happens if your phone is hacked? Is Apple responsible?

The same thing that happens to the password credentials, tokens, and personal mail whether containing private info or credentials or otherwise, and sensitive data and photos, that are all occasionally also stored on an iPhone. This whether a “simple” compromise” due to phishing or cramming and password reuse, or particularly if you’re of interest to an entity with millions of dollar budgets for their exploit tooling. And analytics data are way down on the list of interesting stuff found on most iPhone and iPad devices.

Also what happens is some one turns on sharing with out understanding all old history will be shared?

Apple doesn’t keep around old analytics in perpetuity, or your device would simply fill.

Thank you in advanced for you reply’s

Some other details to consider, given your security concerns and your focus on analytics logs: what steps toward security have you taken? That usually involves updating to current (16.1) avoiding duplicated passwords (as password re-use is exceedingly hazardous, as it opens up vulnerabilities to “cramming”), have reviewed and resolved the Apple Security Recommendations list (maintained by iPhone and iPad and Mac), have two-factor enabled, have verified your current trusted telephone numbers, verified the trusted devices are recognized, have a trusted recovery contact established as appropriate, are using Keychain or another password manager and generated passwords, and similar security hardening?  And if you really are worth the sorts of exploit tools that cost millions to employ, what other steps have you taken to learn about techniques used, and have you also enabled lockdown?

There’s a PDF work a look available here: Personal safety at a glance - Apple Support

It doesn't take up much space. You can disable sharing of analytics, but not the collection.

Analytics data is collected in the expectation that sooner or later Apple is going to need to look at that data—with your permission—to try to determine the cause of some app or software or hardware issue you’re requesting assistance with.