Apple operating system updates introduce the Rotate Wi-Fi Address feature, which regularly changes the device's MAC address to a random one, making it more difficult to track the user on the network.
Online privacy
New feature
In the new versions of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 Sequoia, Apple has replaced the option Private Wi-Fi Address to the new Rotate Wi-Fi Address feature. This feature is designed to reduce the risk of tracking user activity on the network.
How it works
Apple says Rotate Wi-Fi Address is available when connected to any Wi-Fi network. It periodically changes your device's MAC address to a random one, making it difficult for other users and devices connected to the same network to track its activity.
Increased security
Changing the MAC address reduces the likelihood of snooping that may occur when your address appears the same to all devices and people using the same network. The previous Private Wi-Fi Address feature assigned a different MAC address for each Wi-Fi network the device connected to.
Additional Measures
Rotate Wi-Fi Address, like Private Wi-Fi Address, is a separate option from the Limit IP Address Tracking option. addresses), which can be enabled for the Mail and Safari applications.
Glossary
- Apple is a famous American technology company, manufacturer of smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices.
- iOS, iPadOS, macOS are operating systems developed by Apple for its mobile devices and computers, respectively.
- MAC address is a unique identifier of a network device used to recognize it on the network.
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FAQ
What's new in Apple's iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 Sequoia?
How does Rotate Wi-Fi Address work?
How is Rotate Wi-Fi Address different from the previous Private Wi-Fi Address option?
Is the Rotate Wi-Fi Address feature related to the Limit IP Address Tracking setting?
Why is it important to hide your Wi-Fi address?
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Discussion of the topic – Rotate Wi-Fi Address in iOS 18 and macOS 15: a revolutionary feature to protect your privacy
Apple introduced a new Rotate Wi-Fi Address feature in iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS 15 Sequoia, replacing the Private Wi-Fi Address option. This innovative feature is designed to minimize the possibility of your device being tracked by changing your Wi-Fi address at random times when connected to any wireless network.
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Иван
Another privacy feature from Apple. They seem to be working hard on this issue. Rotating a Wi-Fi address can be useful to prevent tracking. 🤖
Анна
Yes, it's good to see that Apple cares about user privacy. But I don't think this feature will help much against persistent hackers. 😬
Франц
Privacy is good, but I'm more concerned about performance. Will this feature slow down the device? 🤔
Мария
Franz, I don't think this will affect performance much. MAC address rotation does not require large resources. In any case, safety is more important. 💻
Григорий
Eh, all these newfangled things... In my time, people were simpler and did not panic about tracking. We lived and enjoyed life! 👴
Пабло
Gregory, times are changing, and we need to keep up with progress. Privacy is becoming increasingly important in the digital world. 📲
Франц
Pablo is right. We should welcome such innovations from Apple. Although I agree with Anna that this is not a panacea for cyber threats. 🕵️♂️
Мария
Well, I'm glad Apple is pushing ahead with privacy innovation. The more such solutions, the better for users. 👍