Apple CEO Tim Cook on iOS 13's Sign In with Apple: 'We're Not Really Taking a Shot at Anybody'

Following today's WWDC keynote event that saw the debut of new software for iOS, macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and tvOS, Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke with CBS Evening News and shared a few quick thoughts on one of the new features, Sign In with Apple.

Sign In with Apple is designed to let you sign into apps using your Apple ID for authentication purposes, offering up a privacy-focused alternative to signing in with accounts from sites like Facebook, Google, or Twitter.

signinwithapple
Cook was asked whether Apple was taking a shot at the way Facebook and Google collect user data with the new feature, but Cook said that wasn't the case. Apple, he says, focuses on the user, and the company believes people want to be able to use the web without being under surveillance.

You know, we're not really taking a shot at anybody. We're - we focus on the user. And the user wants the ability to go across numerous properties on the web without being under surveillance. We're moving privacy protections forward. And I actually think it's a very reasonable request for people to make.

When asked whether Facebook cares about privacy and security, Cook says that "everybody's beginning to care more" thanks to increased awareness of what's been happening.

Many people are getting more offended. I think this is good. Because we need to shine a light on it. You can imagine an environment where everyone begins to think there's no privacy. And if there's no privacy, your freedom of expression just plummets. Because now you're going to be thinking about how everybody's going know every single thing you're doing. This is not good for our country, not good for democracy.

New App Store guidelines provided to developers today suggest Sign In with Apple is going to be a mandatory feature in all apps that offer third-party sign-in options.

If an app lets you log in using Facebook, Google, or Twitter, the app will also need to present users with the Sign In with Apple option too.

Sign In with Apple authenticates a user with Face ID or Touch ID, and keeps personal information safe from app and website developers. It's designed to let Apple users create a new account in an app using a one-click button without leaking user data.

Sign In with Apple also lets Apple users create a randomly-generated email address that hides your own email address when you're signing up for an app or service.

The new Sign In with Apple feature will be available starting later this year.

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Top Rated Comments

az431 Avatar
78 months ago
Remember, Apple sells a targeted advertising service for 30% commission

They want advertisers to know they have to pay the Apple Tax to advertise to Apple customers, the same as app developers need to pay to be on the app store
I read your post several times to see if you could find even a glimmer of a connection between Apple sign in and the fee that developers pay to sell apps through the App Store.

Came up empty.
Score: 61 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hlevolve Avatar
78 months ago
I can’t wait for this feature out of all the awesome announcements today this is actually one of the top ones for me. I love that I don’t have to pass out my true email any longer for sites that use this. I hope it expands all over and I’ll be using it.
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
baculum Avatar
78 months ago
I can’t wait for this feature out of all the awesome announcements today this is actually one of the top ones for me. I love that I don’t have to pass out my true email any longer for sites that use this. I hope it expands all over and I’ll be using it.
I totally agree. I'm sick and tired of being expected to use Facebook or Google to sign into anything. I've deleted my accounts with companies for whom I'M the product. I hope this gains some traction...
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BootsWalking Avatar
78 months ago
When asked whether Facebook cares about privacy and security, Cook says that "everybody's beginning to care more" thanks to increased awareness of what's been happening.

Facebook cares as much about privacy as I care about Facebook. They continually abused the trust of their users and so have lost the privilege for anyone to trust their universal logon credential service. Good riddance.
Score: 25 Votes (Like | Disagree)
az431 Avatar
78 months ago
As a developer, I don’t like this new rule that I “have” to use Apple’s solution with other third party login option of my choice. I guess I should just only have my app available on other competing app stores...oh, wait. There isn’t one.
I’m a developer and I support it 100%. We abandoned third party sign in long ago.
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If I read about this new apple solution correctly, it’s required as an addition if you list sign in with google or Facebook. I don’t think it is the only option.
Correct.
Score: 24 Votes (Like | Disagree)
noraa Avatar
78 months ago
Funny that I log into apple with my gmail ID..
You realize you're not actually logging in via Gmail, yes? Your Apple ID just happens to be your gmail e-mail address, but that's about as closely linked as your Apple ID is to your Gmail e-mail...
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)