Apple is rolling out a new feature in iOS 13 that will restrict apps from running voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) processing in the background when the programs are not being used.
This move strikes at the heart of Facebook and other messaging apps and could cause many applications to be rewritten for iOS 13.
The reason why this step is taken is, Apple wants to prevent third-party apps from listening in the background to collect user data. Apple is absolutely strick about protecting its users with zero tolerance.
iOS 13 is currently in beta and is all set to roll out next month. It is currently in its beta stage.
What’s the issue?
There are a few major VoIP apps that offer this feature. Apps such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp do run VoIP processing in the background.
PushKit, the background VoIP process is often used to detect incoming internet calls without actually opening the apps.
In iOS 13, Apple will limit this background process resulting in the use of the apps for internet-based calls only and disallowing access to any sort of background data collection.
After Apple’s decision, Facebook has come out to talk about the issue. The company says:
The changes to the upcoming iOS releases are not insignificant, but we are in conversations with Apple on how best to address. To be clear — we are using the PushKit VoIP API to deliver a world-class, private messaging experience, not for the purpose of collecting data.
Will Apple remove this feature when the official iOs13 version is launched or will it stick to its stance of protecting iPhone users privacy. What’s important for Apple users is, this new privacy-focused feature will prevent third-party apps from listening in the background to collect your data.