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iOS 8 Strikes an Unexpected Blow Against Location Tracking
schwit1 (797399) writes 'It wasn't touted onstage, but a new iOS 8 feature is set to cause havoc for location trackers, and score a major win for privacy.As spotted by Frederic Jacobs, the changes have to do with the MAC address used to identify devices within networks. When iOS 8 devices look for a connection, they randomize the MAC address, effectively disguising any trace of the real device until it decides to connect to a network.'
At least according to the prosecutors who went after Aaron Swartz. His laptop got locked out of a network so he changed the MAC address with the built-in MacOS GUI utility and they said that was like filing the serial number off a car. Now all iphones are going to change it randomly during network scan? OMG, that's like a car that files off its own serial number every time you go around the block! Alert the authorities!!!!! Sigh.
Generally, I've found this to be true. Their business model does not depend on a lack of customer privacy like Google.
No, this is about 3rd parties tracking you - it means your iPhone does not provide its MAC address to the network(s) it has found. This never had anything to do with Apple tracking you nor does not stop Apple from keeping tabs on what networks you have identified while looking for a connection.
Apple's falling out with Google over Maps was about GOOG wanting more data and Apple not wanting them to gather it.
I'm sure Apple will turn your information into profit if it can, don't get me wrong. But it's not their primary business model. As long as the phone costs a lot of money, you can count on them being less interested in what you have to offer after the sale.
In other words, you are Apple's customer. You are Google's product.