Apple warns Chinese developers against unauthorized iOS app tracking after launch of ATT feature

After news of Chinese developers testing a workaround Apple’s upcoming App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature, the Cupertino tech giant has warned that the new App Store rules will apply to all apps on the digital marketplace.

Apple warns developers looking for a workaround upcoming app tracking changes

In the new iOS 14.5 public update, Apple will release the most anticipated App Tracking Transparency feature which will prevent invasive tracking on iOS devices. The new feature will forever change digital advertising on mobile by giving users the freedom to opt-out of app tracking across third-party apps and websites. But advertisers are worried that revenue would plunge.

Therefore, to continue app tracking on iOS to run targetted ads, several Chinese companies like ByteDance, Tencent Holdings are looking to manipulate Apple’s new rules by using a new system called CAID, which is reported to be Apple’s biggest challenge yet.

Bloomberg reports that in a statement, the Cupertino tech giant categorically told all developers that the new ATT feature will apply to all apps, globally. And the defectors will be removed from the App Store. The U.S. tech giant said in a statement:

“The App Store terms and guidelines apply equally to all developers around the world, including Apple. We believe strongly that users should be asked for their permission before being tracked. Apps that are found to disregard the user’s choice will be rejected.”

The publisher explains that the new CAID system would deceive the iOS system by accessing the iPhone’s IMEI number and location.

Other proposed workarounds rely on a process called fingerprinting, which uses device-specific information such as the IMEI number and location to create a unique identifier. Apple said such approaches have violated its guidelines for over a decade.

In addition to the Chinese, Apple is facing opposition from American and French developers too like Facebook, and France Digitale. The French lobby group has filed an antitrust complaint at the EU commission accusing Apple that its own advertising is shown to users without their permission to show them ads for App Store, Apple News, and Stocks app.