Apple's iOS latest update gives users the option to opt-out of being tracked by apps.

Apple users have been using iOS 14.5 for a little more than a month. Now they can choose to have their apps tracked online. When a user opens an app after an update or downloads it for the first time, "Ask App To Track" appears on their screen.

The Wall Street Journal reports that many iPhone users have opted out of tracking. As a result, advertisers are spending more money on Android and taking money from iOS. Recent surveys show that 75% of iPhone users have opt-out of tracking. What does this mean?

By tracking what users do on their phones, many free apps like Instagram and Facebook can earn revenue. This data includes what websites users visit, what games they play, and what they search for. Advertisers who wish to reach potential customers can then access this data. When a business or agency purchases ads on Facebook they can target customers based on their age, gender, location, and other information that was gathered.

These apps can't charge as much for advertisements without the ability to track. An advertisement that reaches 3 million people might not appeal to a business as much as a $1,000 advertising campaign to reach local customers.

Facebook informed users on Instagram and its app that opting out from tracking would hurt small businesses. Facebook claimed that it may have to charge people to use Instagram and Facebook.

Apple is in business to sell products and believes privacy and security are the key selling points for iPhones, iPods, and Macs. Google and Facebook make most of their revenue from ads and search.

Facebook can still track your online activity from your computer, or via Android phones. Even if you ask apps not to track you on your iPhone/iPad, you will still see ads, but they might not be related to what you are interested in.

Do you think you should ask apps to stop tracking you now that you have this information? You've made the decision to keep your activities private if you are concerned.