iOS 14.5 App Tracking Transparency:- Grayed Out after update

Apple has finally started rolling out one of the most awaited updates iOS14.5 which allows users to choose if they want the apps installed on their iPhone to track them or not. This feature, called App Tracking Transparency, was opposed by many developers including software giants like Facebook as it would blind the advertisers to the choices and interests of iPhone users. Despite opposition, Apple was adamant in going forward with this update as it improved user’s privacy and not shared the activities of a user if he/she did not want to.

But as the update rolled out on April 26, some iPhone users were shocked that this option seemed to be turned off and greyed out at the same time. The greying out of an option means that the user cannot alter its mode and choose between enable/disable. Apple has announced at the time of launch that this feature would be turned on by default and if the user wanted, he/she could disable it. Enabling this feature would force every new app installed (apps already installed would reflect this feature after an update only) to ask user permission for tracking and collecting user activities and history. With this feature disabled, things would be the same as before and apps can collect user information without permission.

The disabling of this feature has baffled many users and there have been reports on Twitter and other social media apps where people have criticized Apple for the same. Apple could have left this option turned off and left it on users to decide whether they would like to enable it or not. But completely disabling the feature creates a doubt which has been already expressed to Apple and a response is awaited.

As per 9to5 Mac, a workaround has been put forward with regards to App Tracking Transparency. It is suggested to turn on the “Personalized Ads” option available in the Privacy settings and then update to iOS 14.5. Users who have followed this method seem to have no issues with the ATT feature and can toggle it on or off. However, if the “Personalized Ads” option was disabled before the update then the App Tracking Transparency options are found to be greyed out providing users no control over them.

This is not an official workaround and is based on a trial & error method carried out. Apple is yet to comment on this greyed-out option as to whether it is just a bug or was intended feature.