This is the bizarre hidden way your iPhone is watching you… and knows exactly how healthy you are
All modern iPhones come with the 'Health' app as standard, which records your every move in the background
YOUR iPhone is no doubt a staple part of your life, but does your device know too much about you?
It turns out that Apple phones continuously collect data about user’s health in the background, and store it all in an app you may never have heard of.
New iPhones come with the ‘Health’ app as standard, which records your every move in the background to collect a continuous record of where you’ve been and how many steps it took you to get there.
The app, which is a stock feature of iOS 8 phones, acts as a hub for all of your health data, collecting information it collects from the phone’s built in pedometer as well as displaying any information your other health apps may have on you.
Whilst this is handy for fitness buffs, it can be alarming to learn that your phone has been stockpiling information about your steps and well-being.
The app, which has a red heart for its icon, works with other health apps which can do everything from measuring your weight to taking your blood pressure.
This means that your mobile could be stockpiling information about your body and lifestyle without you ever knowing, ticking along in the background to populate a database with details about how you live your life.
This information is then accessible for anyone who can get past your phone’s password protection or hack your device.
Whilst most of the information can only be collected with your permission, many of us unthinkingly approve a whole load of features when we get a new phone.
This means you could have granted permission a while ago for default apps to start recording all sorts of creepy details without your knowledge.
The app does come with some handy features however, including the option for you to set your medical ID.
A medical ID displays all of your vital health information in one easily-accessible tab, which can be accessed from your lock screen without a password.
This allows doctors and paramedics to check your details in the event of an emergency when you aren’t able to get into your phone.
The app is also useful to keep track of diets and workout routines, but plenty of users will be concerned to learn just how much personal information is being collected without their knowledge.