iBeacon

iBeacons are Apple’s implementation of small, often inexpensive beacon devices that utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) wireless signals to deliver location-based product information and offers or specials to iOS-powered mobile devices like iPhones and iPads.

Apple added iBeacon functionality in the iOS 7 update, and the company also released a software development kit (SDK) at that time to enable enterprises and developers to utilize the functionality in their own apps.

Because iBeacons rely on iOS 7 and later updates, iBeacon technology will only work with the iPhone 4S and later versions, third-generation or later iPads, iPad Minis, and fifth-generation or later iPod Touch devices.

iBeacons in Apple Stores and Privacy Concerns

Apple began using iBeacons in 254 of its retails stores in the United States on December 6th, 2013, enabling customers with the Apple Store app to receive location-specific offers in Apple stores.

In terms of privacy concerns, iBeacons do track a user’s exact location when they install the Apple Store app, as do other beacons when the apps of retail stores have been installed. iBeacons aren’t however able to obtain specific information about the user beyond location.

Users can also discontinue iBeacon tracking by uninstalling apps like the Apple Store app that connect with iBeacons, by revoking Location Services permissions for the relevant apps or by turning off Bluetooth.

Forrest Stroud
Forrest Stroud
Forrest is a writer for Webopedia. Experienced, entrepreneurial, and well-rounded, he has 15+ years covering technology, business software, website design, programming, and more.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts a device's Internet access through a secure server. It is most frequently used for remote employees accessing a...

Gantt Chart

A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule and shows the dependency between tasks and the current schedule...

Input Sanitization

Input sanitization is a cybersecurity measure of checking, cleaning, and filtering data inputs from users, APIs, and web services of any unwanted characters and...

IT Asset Management Software

IT asset management software (ITAM software) is an application for organizing, recording, and tracking all of an organization s hardware and software assets throughout...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...