iOS 26.4 overstepped the mark
Apple Released 26.4 this week, there was many reasons why this was a great update, most notably a fix to the autocorrect and hitboxes for the keyboard but also new emoji and some more subtle improvements to the liquid glass interface.
However there was one issue with this update in the UK in particular. Apple have decided to implement an age verification on the device which if you do not complete will restrict certain features of the device as well as the ability to access certain websites.
Now I would be in favor of a one time double blind check for age checks by the OS if we have to go down this road where the OS then passes on an IS over 18 or ISN'T over 18 flag to the app or website. However this is not that. If i still went to a porn site firstly it would not even even load but if i was some how able to get there then I would still need to do their ID check to access the site.
This has upset me quite a bit as while at least Apples ID check is not intrusive you simply have to do an apple pay active card check with a credit card or if your Apple ID is over 18 years old it will verify you, the fact they will assert control over your device and restrict settings present on the device as well as the content on the broader internet you can access on a device you purchased has gone to far in my book. I purchased this device with my money in my mind I am the only one who should control what I can and cannot access.
So what am I going to do, well I was waiting to exit iOS for when the clicks communicator releases hopefully in the fall. However I had an idea, lets see what life is like with a budget device. So I took advantage of a clearance offer for the Google Pixel 9A and purchased one to try out over the next month or two (or maybe I'll just stay there?) of course whatever happens I will be sharing my thoughts here.
Last Edited: 6 days, 9 hours ago.