The Right Way to Ask Users for iOS Permissions in the Age of Generative Tech

The Right Way to Ask Users for iOS Permissions in the Age of Generative Tech

In the era of generative technology, where deep learning engines collaborate with humans to generate new content and ideas, it is crucial to understand the right way to ask users for iOS permissions. This article will explore the best practices for obtaining user consent and how generative tech is changing the landscape of the internet.

One key takeaway is to only ask for access when it is truly necessary and to clearly communicate the benefits users will receive in return. The initial blitzkrieg approach, where users are bombarded with permission requests, is not recommended. In fact, studies have shown that when access is requested only when needed, acceptance rates significantly increase.

For example, the first version of Cluster, an app, saw only 30-40% of users accepting permissions when asked upfront. However, when permissions were requested at a better time, such as when users were trying to access specific features like photos or contacts, the acceptance rate increased. In fact, for photos alone, 46% of users who initially denied access eventually granted it when asked later.

Another strategy that has proven successful is using educational pre-permission overlays and user-triggered dialogs. By providing users with information about why access is needed and how it will benefit them, acceptance rates can approach 100%. Testing with real flows and dozens of people has shown that permissions allowance can be significantly increased through these methods.

Incorporating generative tech into iOS permission requests can also lead to higher acceptance rates. For example, asking for access to photos after a user taps a camera and selects "Choose Photos" increased acceptance rates from 67% to 89%. Similarly, when users are clearly trying to access their own address book or receive push notifications, the acceptance rate is nearly 100%.

Now, let's shift our focus to the broader implications of generative tech. This technology is not just changing the way we ask for permissions; it is revolutionizing the internet and human activities as a whole. The traditional internet topology, characterized by retrieving stored content from the center of the network, is being replaced by a new topology where unique content is generated in real-time at the edge of the network.

This shift towards "read-write-generate" internet opens up endless possibilities. Writers, students, marketers, coders, architects, graphic designers, musicians, videographers, and many others can now use generative tools to generate their initial ideas. AI models have reached a level of sophistication where it is difficult to distinguish between synthetic and non-synthetic outputs. We are witnessing the rise of "generative everything."

Generative tech is not limited to content generation; it is also transforming various industries. For example, in the legal field, AI models can generate new leads by detecting harmful events. Automatic website development platforms can generate hundreds or thousands of websites using simple database calls and prompts. Deep learning can be used to create new floor plans for homeowners looking to renovate their properties.

So, how can founders leverage generative tech to build successful businesses? There are several actionable pieces of advice to consider:

1. Start a new company to do new things and create new markets: Take inspiration from successful companies like Darrow, Jasper, and Latitude, which have built their businesses around generative tech. Identify areas where generative tech can disrupt existing industries and create unique value propositions.

2. Add generative tech features to your existing product: Instead of starting from scratch, consider incorporating generative tech into your existing product to differentiate it from competitors. This can help attract new customers and expand your market reach.

3. Focus on unique data and hyper-local applications: To gain a competitive advantage, leverage unique data sets and focus on hyper-local applications. By owning and maintaining your data network effects, you can withstand competition and create durable businesses.

In conclusion, asking users for iOS permissions in the age of generative tech requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. By understanding the best practices for obtaining consent and incorporating generative tech into your business, you can unlock new opportunities and stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape. Remember to ask for access only when necessary, clearly communicate the benefits, and leverage generative tech to create unique value for your users.