GasBuddy is an optional app, right? Apple is very up front about what apps are going to get access to things like location, with user prompts to allow/deny. Meaning you are opting in to a lack of privacy, which is very expected behavior?
The default Apple apps (maps, messaging, safari) are solid from a privacy perspective, and I don't think you can say the same about the default apps on competitors phones.
I am sorry I used GasBuddy as an example since I agree it is a stretch, but still not one I disagree with.
But let's get back to Apple...if it was functioning at "100% user privacy" would it be able to give access to your data to law enforcement? As an example, I consider MullvadVPN to be 99% user privacy.
I already linked to this article on Advanced Data Protection for iCloud (e2ee for most things) in a different comment, but it feels like a lot of people don’t know about this feature. It literally has zero effect on the user experience (except janky access to iCloud via the web, but shrug). Apple’s competitors don’t have anything close and their business models mean they probably never will.
The data stored on iCloud is locked with the key from the devices’ Secure Enclave. They’d have to unlock your device to get access to decrypt the iCloud data.
Why should apple be in control of what individual apps do with your location data? You explicitly grant the app access to your data, and agreed to the terms.
The difference between that and this is extremely clear is it not?
Gas Buddy, like all 3rd party apps, has their privacy practices detailed on their App Store page. It's true that not all vendors are completely truthful with this information, but Gas Buddy (for one) appears to be pretty up-front: everything in the app is shared with the developers or others except (they say) diagnostic information. Apple set up a privacy-disclosure rule, Gas Buddy seems to be following it, and it's the user's choice whether to install Gas Buddy.
Apple has done its privacy work here; now it's up to the end user to make the final choice.
That is a huge stretch and a signal as to how good Apple is with their marketing.
If they are still letting apps like GasBuddy to sell your location to insurance companies then they are no where near "100% privacy".