Apple Details Ways Advertisers Can Measure the Impact of Ads Without Tracking Users Ahead of iOS 14.5 Launch

Starting with iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5, Apple will be requiring apps to receive a user's permission to track their activity for targeted advertising purposes, as part of a privacy measure known as App Tracking Transparency.

nba tracking prompt duo
To help advertisers adjust to this change, Apple today shared a new version of its "A Day in the Life of your Data" document with details on two privacy-preserving ad measurement technologies that advertisers can use to measure the impact of their ad campaigns without tracking users, including SKAdNetwork and Private Click Measurement.

Apple says SKAdNetwork lets advertisers know how many times an app was installed after ads for it were seen, without any user or device data being shared. Likewise, Private Click Measurement allows advertisers to measure the impact of ads that lead users to a website while minimizing data collection using on-device processing. Apps can use Private Click Measurement starting with iOS 14.5 and iPadOS 14.5.

"A Day in the Life of your Data" has also been updated with new information that details how advertisers bid in an auction to show their ad on a user's device, and how advertisers use ad attribution to optimize their ad campaigns.

Apple reiterated that iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, and tvOS 14.5 will be released in early spring, but no specific timeframe was outlined. In a recent interview, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the updates will be released in "just a few weeks."

Related Forum: iOS 14

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
imac video apple feature

Apple Makes Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...
maxresdefault

M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro Launch Imminent as Reseller Stock Dwindles

Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:12 pm PST by
New M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models are slated to launch in the near future, according to information shared with MacRumors by an Apple Premium Reseller. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. The third-party Apple retailer said that MacBook Pro stock is very low currently because there is an imminent new product introduction. Apple typically coordinates supply with...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Tim Cook Teases Plans for Apple's Upcoming 50th Anniversary

Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026. "I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...

Top Rated Comments

sniffies Avatar
63 months ago
A little off topic:

"Ask App not to Track" wording really irks me because when you "ask" something, it implies that the other party has a choice to either obey or disobey your request.

We don't want that.




DISALLOW or DENY is what it should say instead. Plain and simple. No ambiguities.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jonnyb098 Avatar
63 months ago
So either 14.5 drops today.... but for sure next week.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AnTaR3s Avatar
63 months ago

Off topic:

"Ask App not to Track" wording irks me so much.

Really should be "DENY!!!!!!!"
I am sure they had endless discussion about the wording and deliberately chose this weird phrase.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gene731 Avatar
63 months ago

Why is Apple not asking for permission for personalized ads and every other app has to? Also, Why is siri learning from us Saving data without asking? Apple wants to check on all developers but who checks on Apple selling our data?
Shouldn’t you be in the Samsung fan boynpage?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dugbug Avatar
63 months ago

So Apple's does plan to take over FBook's role. Of course they have the "magic privacy wand" to wave over their ROI black box to keep the brand halo shiny. Guess its better than FBook, but really sort-of Google-like. Tim is really effective. Personally I hope he's planning a move into politics next.
what?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
0924487 Avatar
63 months ago

Why is Apple not asking for permission for personalized ads and every other app has to? Also, Why is siri learning from us Saving data without asking? Apple wants to check on all developers but who checks on Apple selling our data?
Siri and others all happen on-device. And Apple is not in the business of selling ads or user data.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)