January 4, 2026, 2:37 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
While the U.S. technology company Apple claims to prioritize data protection, you should be aware that the iPhone collects a significant amount of personal data from its users. A look at Apple’s privacy policies reveals exactly what information is collected. TECHBOOK has taken a closer look and also explains how iPhone users can better control and significantly reduce data collection.
What Data Apple Collects About iPhone Users
In its privacy policies, Apple explains why data is collected in the first place. Reasons include providing and improving services as well as personalized offers. By tracking user behavior, Apple aims to display recommendations in the App Store and personalized ads in apps or Apple News. At the same time, the data is used for fraud prevention and security to prevent abuse, spam, fraud, or account theft.
For users themselves, the reasons are probably secondary. They are more likely interested in what data Apple actually stores about them–and how they can possibly prevent this. TECHBOOK provides clarity.
Account and Device Information
First, there are the account information, which are certainly among the less sensitive of the collected data. Apple knows, among other things, the email address and age of its users, the devices associated with the account, and the status of the account–for example, whether it is active, linked to subscriptions, and so on.
Additionally, there are the–equally “unremarkable”–device information. They are necessary for the operation of the services. These include, among other things, serial number, device model, and browser type to tailor content and functions to the respective device.
Contact, Location, and Health Data
Now it gets significantly more private. Apple knows not only the names of its users but also their phone numbers and home addresses, which are used for account management, communication, and personalization. Apple can also collect official identification documents in certain situations, such as account activation or credit checks.
Moreover, Apple collects both general and precise location data, for features like “Find My” or to deliver regional offers. The company can also access fitness and health data from Health apps or the Apple Watch (at least during their active use).
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Payment and Transaction Data
Apple also has access to payment and transaction data such as payment methods used, purchase histories, and subscriptions. This information is used to process purchases and provide services.
Furthermore, Apple collects–but only in connection with its own financial offerings like the Apple Card, Apple Pay Later, or installment payments–information about income, salary, or assets.
Usage, Content, and Media Data
Also relevant are the so-called usage data. These include information about which apps users use and which content they have accessed, as well as technical data on crashes and performance. This helps Apple optimize its services.
The data collection also includes content data, such as photos, videos, contacts, emails, or backups–provided they are stored in iCloud. Photos are explicitly considered personal data, as they can contain metadata like the time of capture or location in addition to image content.
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Payment and Financial Information
To process purchases and provide services, Apple also has access to payment and transaction data such as payment methods used, purchase histories, and subscriptions. Additionally, Apple can–though only in connection with its own financial offerings like the Apple Card, Apple Pay Later, or installment payments–collect information about income, salary, or assets.
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How Apple Users Can Protect Their Data
If you want to know exactly what information Apple has already collected, the company offers a handy feature on the ” Data and Privacy” page. There, users can request a copy of all data stored by Apple–from iCloud data to App Store and Apple Music information to emails, contacts, and photos. You can choose which data to download. The requested file should usually arrive within about a week. You probably won’t be in for a big shock. On Reddit, users report being pleasantly surprised that the amount of data collected is often manageable.
Additionally, the platform allows you to restrict app access, adjust the account, or even delete it entirely. These functions are related to the GDPR, which has been in effect since May 2018, and are intended to give users more control over their personal data.