Apple Enhances Privacy, Restricts Location Tracking on iPhones and iPads
Apple is enhancing privacy with a new feature for iPhones and iPads. This feature allows users to limit precise location tracking by cellular networks.
New Privacy Feature Overview
The “Limit Precise Location” setting will debut with iOS 26.3 or later. It restricts the information that mobile carriers use to determine device locations through cell tower connections. Once enabled, cellular networks can only access a device’s approximate location, such as a neighborhood, instead of a specific address.
Apple clarified that this setting does not affect the accuracy of data shared during emergency calls. It solely pertains to the location details available to cellular networks. The feature does not interfere with location sharing through applications like Find My.
How to Enable Limit Precise Location
Users can activate the feature by navigating through their device settings:
- Open “Settings”
- Select “Cellular”
- Tap “Cellular Data Options”
- Toggle the “Limit Precise Location” setting
Activation may require a device restart to finalize the changes.
Device Compatibility and Carrier Support
This privacy enhancement is available on specific models:
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16e
- iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular
Carrier support for this feature varies. Currently, it includes:
- Telekom in Germany
- EE and BT in the United Kingdom
- Boost Mobile in the United States
- AIS and True in Thailand
Context and Significance
The introduction of this feature comes after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) imposed nearly $200 million in fines on major U.S. wireless carriers in April 2024. The penalties included:
- $80 million for T-Mobile
- $12 million for Sprint
- $57 million for AT&T
- $47 million for Verizon
Although Apple has not disclosed specific reasons for launching this feature, it represents a significant step towards limiting the amount of customer location data that carriers can collect. As cellular networks typically access precise location data for operational purposes, this move emphasizes user privacy.
For further details on Apple’s privacy policies and features, visit Filmogaz.com.
