A significant privacy issue has surfaced in Apple’s latest operating systems, iOS 18 and macOS 15 Sequoia, which appears to contradict the company’s long-standing commitment to user data protection and end-to-end encryption. The concern, discovered by developer Jeff Johnson, involves the automatic sharing of users’ photo information with Apple servers.
The Problem with Enhanced Visual Search
The feature in question is Enhanced Visual Search, which was first introduced in iOS 15 and has continued into the latest operating systems. This feature automatically scans photos for objects and landmarks, sending the resulting data to Apple’s servers without explicit user consent. While users can disable the feature, it is enabled by default on all devices, raising alarm among privacy advocates.
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Enhanced Visual Search aims to improve photo organization within the Photos app by identifying landmarks and offering additional context for users’ images. However, the fact that it’s enabled by default contradicts Apple’s well-known privacy stance.
How Enhanced Visual Search Works
According to Johnson’s detailed analysis, the feature functions through a two-tier system. It begins with machine learning algorithms scanning users’ photos, followed by the creation of “vector embeddings.” These are complex digital fingerprints that capture the unique characteristics of objects and landmarks within the images. Once created, this data is transmitted to Apple’s servers for processing.
While the technology behind this feature is impressive, it raises serious privacy concerns as Apple collects this data without explicit user consent, potentially creating vulnerabilities for both the company and its customers.
How to Disable Enhanced Visual Search
For users concerned about their privacy, the feature can be disabled by following these steps:
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps
- Select Photos
- Disable Enhanced Visual Search
Despite the growing concerns, Apple has not yet responded with an official statement on the issue.
