New iOS 26 Default Settings Enhance Safaris Privacy by Activating Advanced Fingerprinting Protection

Although iOS 26 is not anticipated to launch for a few more months, developers and early users can already explore forthcoming features and experience the new Liquid Glass interface through beta versions. When Apple officially releases iOS 26 later this year, it will introduce Advanced Fingerprinting Protection, a privacy-centered feature in Safari that guards users against tracking during web browsing, even when not using a private browsing window. Mozilla’s open-source Firefox also provides safeguards against fingerprinting.

Public Beta of iOS 26 Requires Enabling Advanced Fingerprinting Protection

During WWDC 2025, when Apple revealed iOS 26, the company stated that it aims to enhance user privacy by making the Advanced Fingerprinting Protection feature «available for all browsing by default». This feature was initially made available for Private Browsing tabs in September 2023 as part of iOS 17. It will be accessible for all Safari tabs in September when iOS 26 is released to all users.

Advanced Fingerprinting Protection in iOS 26 (Tap to view larger)

Fingerprinting is a deceptive tracking method utilized by companies to observe a user’s online behavior. It functions like a digital fingerprint created from your device’s hardware, browser extensions, custom fonts, and particular settings.

This tracking technique is designed to endure even after the browser’s history, storage, and cache have been cleared. To safeguard users, Apple supplies randomized data and alters the information regarding hardware and software shared with trackers. This complicates the ability of data brokers and firms to construct a fingerprint for a browser and monitor users.

Safari’s competitor, Firefox, has also provided fingerprinting protection since 2020. However, the open-source browser employs a more proactive strategy by blocking third-party requests to companies that fingerprint users online, contrasting with the Advanced Fingerprinting Protection on Safari.

It should be noted that Advanced Fingerprinting Protection isn’t activated for all tabs in Safari, as seen in the first public beta of iOS 26 that was rolled out to compatible smartphones last week. A staff member from Gadgets 360 verified that the feature functioned for Private Browsing tabs but needed to be manually turned on via the Settings app.

To activate Advanced Fingerprinting Protection, users can go to the Settings app and select Apps > Safari > Advanced > Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting > All Browsing. This will enable the feature on Safari prior to the stable version of iOS 26 being available in September.