This free VPN is now available to all iPhone owners (original) (raw)
(Image credit: Opera)
Popular web browser Opera is rolling out a huge new security feature for everyone who uses its app on the iPhone and iPad.
The importance of using a VPN can't be overstated and while there are plenty of options out there, Opera's is completely free. What's more, like all the best VPN options, this is available on every platform you're likely to use.
Today's announcement comes with Opera already offering the same VPN functionality via its other platforms including the Mac.
Safety first
Opera had already made the iPhone and iPad VPN available to some people as part of an early access program, but now it's rolling it out to everyone who wants it.
"When users browse the internet, they can be subject to data collection from websites and online services, many of which are not always transparent about how they store and use this data," an Opera press release reads. "Meanwhile, unsecure networks, such as some public Wi-Fi are vulnerable to attacks from bad actors, which can compromise sensitive personal data like web banking information or credit card details."
A VPN helps to protect against that, and by putting one right into the web browser Opera makes it easier than ever to stay protected. Users don't have to log into any services or other apps and just have to press a button.
Just as importantly, Opera says that it doesn't collect your browsing history either.
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"A no-log service, the VPN does not collect any personal data or information related to users’ browsing history or originating network address, ensuring anonymity," the statement reads. Not all VPN providers can boast that.
Anyone who wants to take the free VPN for a spin can download Opera now. It's free, although we're told that users should expect the VPN to become available "within the coming weeks." Keep that in mind if you don't see the VPN button just yet.
Oliver Haslam has written about Apple and the wider technology business for more than a decade with bylines on How-To Geek, PC Mag, iDownloadBlog, and many more. He has also been published in print for Macworld, including cover stories. At iMore, Oliver is involved in daily news coverage and, not being short of opinions, has been known to 'explain' those thoughts in more detail, too. Having grown up using PCs and spending far too much money on graphics card and flashy RAM, Oliver switched to the Mac with a G5 iMac and hasn't looked back. Since then he's seen the growth of the smartphone world, backed by iPhone, and new product categories come and go. Current expertise includes iOS, macOS, streaming services, and pretty much anything that has a battery or plugs into a wall. Oliver also covers mobile gaming for iMore, with Apple Arcade a particular focus. He's been gaming since the Atari 2600 days and still struggles to comprehend the fact he can play console quality titles on his pocket computer.