AirDrop restrictions on iPhones first seen in China roll out globally with iOS 16.2

 

Apple's next iOS update will improve AirDrop security. The new default settings are rolling out globally with the upcoming iOS 16.2. This is after the company restricted the use of AirDrop in China.

This limit puts a 10 minute cap on the time a user can share his AirDrop files with 'everyone'. The setting has since reverted to "Contacts Only", essentially denying its usefulness in the protest.While Apple's tightening of privacy settings may be in line with its brand, the timing of this move is surprising. Thing. This change was brought to China with the iOS 16.1.1 update. This comes after media reported that the protester used the tool to organize his VPN, argue, and denounce President Xi Jinping. At the time, Apple said the feature would not remain a Chinese exclusive and would roll out globally next year. Then less than a month later he was on his latest iOS beta.

Apple will try to thread the needle between appeasing China, where it makes most of its products and about 20% of its sales, or curbing PR damage at home by agreeing to a dictatorship. I can. Adding this feature globally would allow the company to deny itself (albeit somewhat plausible) from helping repressive governments quell protests. The setting also generated unwanted content such as random dick pics of strangers. MORE APPLE INFO Whatever Apple's motives are, it's a by-product that we can all support.

iOS 16.2 Release Candidate opened to developers today. In addition to AirDrop modifications, the software adds improved end-to-end encryption and Apple Music karaoke functionality.