Apple iPhone XR
Summary
The iPhone XR is Apple's first attempt at a more affordable iPhone that still has all the newest features such as a Liquid Retina display, Face ID, and the lack of a home button. The smartphone can be purchased starting at $499.
Breach History
Has there ever been a breach or data leak?
Date of last breach
August 2019
Google security researchers claimed that Apple iPhones had suffered from massive security breaches. Specifically, hackers placed monitoring implants in an untold number of devices. This implant was inserted when users visited unspecificed hack websites and supposedly had been active for two years. Be wary!
Privacy Checklist
Is any kind of biometric data collected (health, heart, voice, etc.)?
Are you able to delete your data / the data collected about you?
Does it use cookies, telemetry, or third-party tracking scripts?
Is the privacy policy user-friendly (easy to understand)?
Does it have parental controls?
Does it use encryption to protect your data both in-transit and at-rest?
Does it get regular software and / or firmware updates?
Does it require you to create a strong password?
Is there a system in place for managing security vulnerabilities?
Does it have a privacy policy?
How Can It Snoop?
Does it have a camera or request / require access to a camera?
Does it have a microphone or request / require access to a microphone?
Does it track your location or request / require access to location data?
Account Requirements
Does it require an email address to use?
Does it require a phone number to use?
Does it require an address (home or office) to use?
Payment Options
Are you able to use a credit card as a payment option?
Are you able to use a cryptocurrency as a payment option?
Are you able to use PayPal as a payment option?
Are you able to use cash or gift cards as a payment option?
What Could Go Wrong?
Apple seems to do a decent job ensuring the security and privacy of its customers. However, Apple was caught listening to private conversations captured by its device microphones for "Siri Quality Control." Apple claims to have changed its ways, but be aware of this risk when using this product.
How Does It Share Your Data?
Apple does not share your personal information with third parties for commerical or marketing purposes. All Siri voice requests are also anonymous and auto-deleted after 6 months.
Good Things
- Great battery life.
- Great value.
Bad Things
- Portrait mode is lackluster.
- Lower resolution screen.
Final Thoughts
The latest generation of iPhones continues to improve and add new features and tools to its amazing capabilities. Easy to use and one of the most popular phone brands in the world, Apple does a great job with security and privacy measures, so there should not be much to worry about!