Apple iOS 26.3 Makes use of C-Sequence Modem To Restrict Service Entry To Exact Location Information

Apple is preparing to introduce a brand new privateness characteristic in iOS 26.3 that reduces how exactly cell carriers can observe person location, enabled by gadgets geared up with Apple’s C-series modem. Location information has lengthy been thought-about extremely delicate, and whereas iPhone customers have been in a position to limit app entry to express location, carriers have historically retained full visibility into detailed connection information. That is set to alter with the upcoming replace.

Cellular carriers inherently gather details about when and the place gadgets hook up with cell towers, permitting extremely correct location monitoring. This follow has beforehand raised authorized and regulatory considerations, together with a 2020 lawsuit wherein carriers had been discovered to have mishandled location information. Apple’s new “restrict exact location” characteristic goals to scale back the usefulness of this data by obscuring actual person positioning on the community stage.

In accordance with Apple documentation, the characteristic will roll out publicly with iOS 26.3, anticipated in February. Adoption will depend upon provider help, that means availability might range by area and broaden steadily. At launch, supported carriers embrace Telekom in Germany; EE and BT in the UK; Increase Cellular in the US; and AIS and True in Thailand.

The characteristic is restricted to gadgets utilizing Apple’s in-house C-series modem. At the moment, appropriate merchandise embrace the iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and mobile variations of the iPad Professional with M5. Newer iPhone 17 fashions are usually not supported, although Apple is anticipated to broaden its customized modem lineup throughout the iPhone 18 vary.

Importantly, limiting exact carrier-level location information doesn’t have an effect on app performance, navigation companies, emergency options, or Discover My. As an alternative, it reduces the granularity of knowledge shared with carriers, corresponding to figuring out a normal space reasonably than an actual place.

By reducing the precision of location information retained by carriers, Apple goals to provide customers higher management over private data and cut back potential misuse or compelled disclosure. As with different privacy-focused applied sciences, the characteristic might face authorized and regulatory scrutiny, however it displays Apple’s continued emphasis on person information safety.

Filed in Apple. Learn extra about Apple, iOS and Privacy.