Apple’s new iOS characteristic may make a giant distinction for on a regular basis privateness

Apple may need simply dropped iOS 26.2.1 this week, however iPhone house owners have already got their eyes on the horizon for the tech big’s subsequent substantial replace: iOS 26.3. From new wallpapers to notification settings, the following spherical of software program would not look too notably thrilling save for one sparkle within the tough — restrict exact location.

Already accessible within the third beta, Apple stated that the setting is for customers to “restrict some data that mobile networks might use to find out your location,” so long as you will have a appropriate iPhone or iPad mannequin and a supported service. However what precisely does that imply, and who’re the fortunate prospects who get to benefit from this new privateness perk?

What does ‘restrict exact location’ do?

Limits data for mobile networks

Restrict exact location does precisely what it feels like: limits your exact location, particularly for mobile networks. These networks can pinpoint your location (nearly precisely, in some instances) primarily based on which cell towers your cellphone or pill connects to, in the end making a spiderweb along with your gadget on the middle. Contemplating you are normally linked to your gadget, meaning it is your location, too.

However in case you select to allow ‘restrict exact location,’ not all that data might be shared with these networks. In response to Apple, as a result of the networks do not have all the information to color a exact image of your location, they will not be capable of decide the place precisely you’re on the map:

Privateness sounds nice, however sign interference would not. Fortunately, Apple ensures that enabling the setting will not impression sign high quality or your expertise in any respect. It additionally would not have an effect on the information you should use to share your location with family members on Discover My or what’s shared with emergency responders in case you make an emergency name.

Which units and carriers are included?

This is the catch

The consumer group this characteristic might be accessible to is small. Solely the next units working iOS 26.3 will assist restrict exact location:

Why these units solely? Proper now, the characteristic is unique to units with an Apple C-series modem, which implies the C1X contained in the iPad Professional and iPhone Air), and the C1 (contained in the iPhone 16e). However you may additionally want one of many carriers under:

• Germany: Telekom
• United Kingdom: EE, BT
• United States: Increase Cell
• Thailand: AIS, True

You probably have each a appropriate gadget and a supported service, you have gained the privateness lottery. Hopefully, future iPhone and iPad fashions will sport C-series chips of their very own, so this characteristic makes its method into the mainstream — so long as extra well-liked carriers change into appropriate, that’s.

You probably have the third iOS 26.3 beta and a appropriate combo, here is methods to flip restrict exact location on and off:

1. Open Settings > then faucet Mobile.
2. Select Mobile Knowledge Choices. You probably have a couple of cellphone quantity below SIMs, faucet one in every of your strains.
3. Scroll all the way down to Restrict Exact Location.
4. Flip the setting on or off. You may need to restart your gadget.