Crack the Code: Uncover Your Phone’s Hidden Data Secrets

Key Points:

• Apple’s AI tasks are typically handled on-device, but can also use Private Cloud Compute (PCC) when more power is needed.
• Users can check their Privacy Reports on iPhone, iPad, and Mac to see what data has been sent to PCC.
• So far, 9to5Mac has found empty reports on all tested devices, indicating either infrequent use or on-device processing of Apple Intelligence features.

Apple has made a significant investment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, with its Apple Intelligence feature allowing for advanced machine learning capabilities on compatible devices running iOS 18.1 or macOS 15.1 beta. To ensure user privacy, Apple has developed Private Compute Modules (PCC) to process requests online with end-to-end encryption, so not even Apple itself has access to this data.

To provide transparency, Apple has introduced an "Apple Intelligence Report" menu within the Privacy & Security settings, allowing users to export a report on their interactions with Apple Intelligence. This feature allows users to select the duration of time included in the report, ranging from 15 minutes to seven days. However, several 9to5Mac staff members who have tried the 7-day setting have found their reports to be empty, indicating either minimal use or on-device processing of Apple Intelligence features.

To check your own device, head to Settings > Privacy & Security and scroll down to Transparency Logs. If you’ve tried the feature, we’d love to hear back from you! Take our poll and share your thoughts in the comments below.

For those interested in exploring the power of Apple’s AI technology, now might be a great time to explore the iOS 18.1 or macOS 15.1 beta, or even upgrade to the latest available version for your device. Who knows? You might just discover a new favorite feature!

Don’t forget to check out some new iPhone Tutorials.