While it’s true that dark patterns—design tactics that subtly guide users into making certain choices—are a concern in the tech industry, Apple has generally been seen as more transparent compared to some other companies. For instance, Apple’s introduction of App Tracking Transparency (ATT) was a significant move toward giving users more control over their data. If Apple were primarily motivated to trick users into giving away data, initiatives like ATT would be counterproductive to that aim.

The assertion that “you have no clue how Apple uses your data” oversimplifies the situation. While it’s true that understanding the full scope of data use by any large tech company can be difficult, Apple’s privacy policies and terms of service are publicly available and outline their data practices. Apple’s approach to privacy is built around minimizing data collection where possible, using on-device processing, and keeping data anonymous where feasible. For example, Apple’s advertising platform does not follow users across the web; it uses on-device data and does not share data with third parties.

Software as a Service (SaaS) is a broad category, and it’s true that not all SaaS models are created equal in terms of privacy. However, Apple’s version of SaaS is integrated within an ecosystem that they tightly control, which reduces the reliance on third-party data brokers and limits the potential for data abuse. While it’s always wise to be cautious about data privacy, Apple’s track record—despite some valid criticisms—shows a commitment to privacy that sets it apart from companies whose core business is data monetization.