Apple released their newest iOS 15 update during September this year. Then a couple smaller point releases of iOS 15.0.1 and iOS 15.0.2 updates, which fixed some bugs with the initial release and added some security features.

Overall, the update has very cool features, including new features in Facetime, Safari improvements, Focus modes, and so much more. For today, however, let’s look at the critical security updates that iOS 15 offers.

App Privacy Reports

One of the new features in iOS 15 is called Record App Activity. As the name implies, the feature keeps a log of what happens behind the scenes as you use your applications. There’s even a weekly report that shows you how often your apps have access permissions for:

• Camera
• Location
• Media library
• Microphone
• Screen sharing
• Contacts

The report also shows apps that have contacted other domains.

To enable this feature, go to Settings > Privacy > Record App Activity.

Built-in Authenticator

iOS 15’s built-in two-factor authenticator brings to an end the reliance on third-party authenticator apps. It’s even better, because it can auto-fill your login information!

To activate the built-in authenticator, go to Settings > Passwords > tap on your password entries for the Set-up Verification Codes option > and enter the required information.

Secure Browsing With Safari

The iOS 15 update includes two security features for Safari.

1. With Intelligent Tracking Protection, you can now mask your IP Address and prevent hackers from profiling you.

Go to Settings > Safari > set Hide IP Address > and select > Trackers Only > to activate this feature.

1. For iCloud subscribers, the iCloud Private Relay, which acts as a VPN, can encrypt your web traffic by sending it through other servers to keep your location secret.

 To enable, go to Settings > tap on your iCloud account and enable Private Relay.

Mail Protection

The Mail app now has a new feature called ‘Protect Mail Activity’ that protects