This new feature is called Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection. It works not only in Safari but also in the Messages and Mail apps.

Safari in iOS 17 Now Strips Tracking Parameters From URLs

Jim HendlerJune 19, 23 Apple, Browser, iOS, Safari

Apple’s web browser Safari, with the release of iOS 17, has the ability to eliminate tracking parameters from URLs automatically when using Private Browsing Mode. This feature is designed to prevent cross-website tracking. Whenever a tracking parameter is detected while browsing or copying a link, Safari will remove the identifying components of the URL while preserving the remaining parts.

The links will still work properly, but will not contain the unique identifiers, MacRumors said. This new feature is called Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection. It works not only in Safari but also in the Messages and Mail applications. You can even enable it for regular browsing in Safari.

Thus

– On iPhone, go to Settings, tap Safari, then tap Advanced and tap Advanced Tracking and Fingerprinting Protection.

– You can set it to “All Browsing”.

– If you don’t want to use this feature, you can also disable it in the same menu.

Note that iOS 17 will be released later this year and is currently available as a beta version for users with an Apple developer account. So, regular iPhone users will have to wait for the official launch of the latest iOS later this year to use this feature.

According to MacRumors, Apple showed an example of a URL before and after removing tracking parameters during a WWDC 2023 developer video session. The original URL contains a special click_id parameter that allows advertisers to track the user’s actions on different websites.

However, to protect users’ privacy, Safari automatically removes this parameter from the URL.

Apple has also added the Screen Distance feature to iOS 17. This feature can warn you when you hold the iPhone too close to your eyes for a long time.

The opt-in feature is designed to reduce the risk of myopia in children by promoting healthy viewing habits and can help reduce eye strain. Screen Distance can be enabled in the Settings app under Screen Time > Screen Distance and is available on all iPhone models with Face ID.