Utilising location data to power mobile experiences is about to get a lot more difficult with the new iOS13 and Andriod Q locations sharing permission changes. Both Apple and Google have announced significant updates to their respective operating systems, that will have a widespread impact on privacy and location sharing permissions.
Location usage within mobile has more recently been carefully policed, without a clear end-user benefit for collecting data, it is impossible for mobile developers to receive location data. Audiences are now more informed and discerning around how they share any information. As a result, these location sharing permission updates are likely to have a serious impact on an app developer’s ability to collect and use location data.
In order to accommodate the OS changes, app developers must show a high level of understanding of the changes and a clear map of the data exchange relationship between developers and the consumers.
What are the Major Changes?
Apple – iOS 13
The main shift in direction from this update is the “Always Allow” removal. Previous alliterations of iOS auto-enable background location permissions to be opt-out. Apple users will now be presented with a “Change to Always Allow” prompt after the first session when the app is backgrounded. There will also be an “Allow Once” option that will be presented to the user to enable the app temporary access to the location for the specific, one-off requests.
To read more about changes to iOS, click here.
Google Android Q
At the Google IO 2019 Conference several announcements were made around the August 2019 release of Android Q. Amongst the news of additional features and functionality, major updates were announced around user location sharing.
Android has been previously criticised around their location permissions when compared against Apple, who have typically required more consistent permissions from their customers. Android Q has unreservedly tackled this issue giving users more control when giving apps authority to access location data. Android Q will prompt users for permission through a dialogue box asking for location sharing permission options.
App developers will have to include a clear end-user benefit for receiving background location data in their apps manifest file. Without this, you will struggle to get your app past the approval process.
For a comprehensive breakdown of Google Andriod Q features, click here.
The Mobile Wallet
The mobile wallet for iPhone is a native app that is managed and maintained by Apple. The end-user benefit is inherent to the build of Mobile Wallet technology and the opportunities that are derived from it. The fundamentals of our business are to give brands the opportunity to engage with an audience that is gaining tangible benefits from location-based offers and discounts.
Android devices are yet to include a native mobile wallet app, there are several options for Android Mobile Wallet apps to download, each would have to ensure compliance to the new Android Q location sharing policies and make the necessary adjustments required to maintain a position in android stores.
It is clear that the question of data, location and privacy are foremost in people’s minds. At the Mobile Wallet Company, we take privacy very seriously and have built our systems to ensure full compliance with all laws and best practices. Our solution is entirely built around the value we can offer customers and we work hard to bring a justified value exchange between a brand and its customer.
If you would like to know more about how the mobile wallet company are working to change the way brands communicate through the mobile wallet, please get in touch.