PHONE PRIVACY
GrapheneOS vs iPhone: Which Is More Private?
Both devices cater to a different target audience. We sell both, so here's the honest comparison.
Security: GrapheneOS
iPhones get fast updates, strong hardware encryption and a tightly controlled App Store. Apple's Lockdown Mode adds extra protection for people facing targeted attacks.
GrapheneOS runs on Google Pixel phones, which have their own dedicated security chip. It adds hardening against exploits on top of Android, verified boot with your phone locked to GrapheneOS, and security updates that usually arrive faster than stock Android's. Our configuration also permanently disables vulnerable functions such as USB data transfer, and has features such as automatic reboot to put devices back into BFU state.
Privacy: where they differ
- Data sent to the manufacturer. An iPhone is built around an Apple account, and can share analytics and usage data with Apple depending on your settings. GrapheneOS has no Google services built in and no account to sign in to.
- App permissions. Both let you control location, camera and microphone. GrapheneOS goes further: you can deny an app internet access entirely, let it see only the contacts or files you choose, and turn off its access to sensors.
- Google apps, if you need them. On GrapheneOS, Google Play can be installed as an ordinary app in a sandbox, with no special access to the system, or left off completely.
- Cloud backups. iCloud is convenient, but only end-to-end encrypted if Advanced Data Protection is turned on, and Apple has withdrawn that option in some countries, including the UK. GrapheneOS keeps everything on the phone unless you choose a backup yourself.
- If the phone is taken. GrapheneOS can automatically restart after a period locked, which puts your data back into its most protected state, and offers a duress PIN that wipes the phone when entered. Our configuration also automatically wipes data if the device is not unlocked within a specified timeframe.
Everyday usability: iPhone
The iPhone wins on familiarity: every app works, iMessage and FaceTime just work, and there's nothing new to learn. On GrapheneOS most apps work too, but some banking and payment apps don't support it, and tap-to-pay with Google Wallet isn't available.
Which should you choose?
Choose GrapheneOS if you want the most control over your data and don't want a Google or Apple account at the centre of your phone. Our PF Secured GrapheneOS Device comes set up and ready to use, or you can install it yourself on a compatible Pixel.
Choose an iPhone if you need every app to work and want the phone you already know, made more private. Our PF iOSecured encrypted iPhone is hardened for privacy without relying on a cloud management server. More in our Encrypted iPhone guide.
Whichever you pick, a Privacy eSIM and an encrypted messenger like Threema keep your connection and conversations private too. New to GrapheneOS? Start with our GrapheneOS guide.
Privacy First is not affiliated with the GrapheneOS project or Apple.