Apple has issued an unmistakable iPhone warning, even if it never directly names its target. In a recent video campaign, Apple sends a clear privacy message to hundreds of millions of iPhone users: if you care about your data, it’s time to ditch Google Chrome.
The video doesn’t mention Chrome by name — it doesn’t have to. It taps into Chrome’s long-standing reputation for tracking users across the web. And with Google’s latest move, that reputation is once again under fire.
Google’s Cookie Controversy: A Step Backward for Privacy
Last year, Google promised to phase out tracking cookies in Chrome, used by advertisers to follow users across websites. But that promise has now been walked back — again. In its latest announcement, Google confirmed it will not introduce a new prompt to block third-party cookies in Chrome.
Instead, it will stick with the current setup, leaving users without a simple opt-out. This development hits especially hard for iPhone users, who already have fewer privacy controls in Chrome compared to Android.
Apple’s Clever Video and the Hidden Message
Apple’s latest video, Flock, cleverly references Google’s failed FLoC (Federated Learning of Cohorts) initiative — a cookie replacement that faced intense backlash and was ultimately scrapped. Styled like Hitchcock’s The Birds, the video shows a swarm of creepy digital trackers surrounding users. It’s a not-so-subtle iPhone warning wrapped in a privacy-focused narrative.
The message? Safari offers superior privacy. Chrome, not so much.
Chrome on iPhone: More Tracking, Less Control
Google wants more iPhone users to switch from Safari to Chrome — a move that’s increasingly under scrutiny. Currently, about 30% of iPhone users (around 400 million people) use Chrome, and Google’s goal is to grow that number. But privacy remains a major obstacle.
Unlike Chrome on Android, where users can disable third-party cookies, Chrome on iOS offers limited options:
- Cookies are always enabled and stay on by default.
- You can clear cookies manually, but this logs you out of websites and deletes saved preferences.
- There is no dedicated setting for third-party cookie blocking in Chrome’s iOS app.
Worse, personalized ads are turned on automatically, and VPNMentor warns that Google’s business model gives it strong motivation to track user behavior.
You can disable “Allow Cross-Website Tracking” under Settings > Apps > Chrome, but this isn’t as effective as Safari’s built-in cookie blocking and privacy protections.
Why This Matters More for iPhone Users
This latest iPhone warning is particularly important because Chrome’s iOS app offers fewer privacy features than either Chrome on Android or desktop. With Apple’s long-standing emphasis on user privacy, this plays directly into the company’s hands — and its continued push to promote Safari as the more secure choice.
Apple’s App Tracking Transparency and Safari’s Intelligent Tracking Prevention already make iPhones some of the most private consumer devices available. Chrome’s lack of comprehensive tracking controls undermines that privacy.
Final Thoughts: Take the iPhone Warning Seriously
If you’re using Chrome on your iPhone, now’s the time to consider switching. Until Google provides stronger privacy controls for iOS users, Safari remains the better option — offering robust tracking protection and transparency tools that Chrome simply lacks.
If you still choose to use Chrome on your iPhone, make sure to:
- Disable “Allow Cross-Website Tracking” in your iOS settings
- Use Incognito Mode for more private sessions (though it’s not perfect)
- Manually clear cookies, knowing it will affect your saved preferences
But the best privacy move? Follow Apple’s lead. The iPhone warning is clear: your data deserves better, and Safari is ready to protect it.
