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Scrape Timestamp (UTC): 2026-02-01 15:23:15.190
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New Apple privacy feature limits location tracking on iPhones, iPads. Apple is introducing a new privacy feature that lets users limit the precision of location data shared with cellular networks on some iPhone and iPad models. The "Limit Precise Location" setting will be available after upgrading to iOS 26.3 or later, and it works by restricting the information mobile carriers use to determine device locations via cell tower connections. When enabled, cellular networks can only identify the device's approximate location, such as a neighborhood, rather than a precise street address. "The limit precise location setting doesn't impact the precision of the location data that is shared with emergency responders during an emergency call," Apple said. "This setting affects only the location data available to cellular networks. It doesn't impact the location data that you share with apps through Location Services. For example, it has no impact on sharing your location with friends and family with Find My." Users can enable the feature by opening "Settings," tapping "Cellular," then "Cellular Data Options," and toggling the "Limit Precise Location" setting. After enabling limited precise location, the system may prompt a device restart to complete activation. The privacy enhancement feature currently works only on iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular models running iOS 26.3 or later. Availability depends on carrier support, and currently supported mobile networks include Telekom in Germany, EE and BT in the United Kingdom, Boost Mobile in the United States, and AIS and True in Thailand. While Apple has yet to share why it's introducing this feature, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fined the largest U.S. wireless carriers almost $200 million in April 2024. The list of fines includes $80 million for T-Mobile and $12 million for Sprint (which have since merged), more than $57 million for AT&T, and nearly $47 million for Verizon. Since cellular networks can easily track device locations via tower connections for network operations, Apple's new privacy feature (currently supported by only a small number of networks) is a big step towards ensuring that carriers can collect only limited data on their customers' movements and habits. BleepingComputer reached out to Apple for more details, but a response was not immediately available. The future of IT infrastructure is here Modern IT infrastructure moves faster than manual workflows can handle. In this new Tines guide, learn how your team can reduce hidden manual delays, improve reliability through automated response, and build and scale intelligent workflows on top of tools you already use.
Daily Brief Summary
Apple has launched a "Limit Precise Location" feature on certain iPhone and iPad models, restricting cellular networks to only approximate location data.
This feature is available with iOS 26.3 or later and applies to specific devices, including iPhone Air and iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular models.
The feature does not affect location data shared with apps or emergency responders, maintaining full functionality for critical services.
Users can activate this setting through the device's cellular data options, with some models requiring a restart to finalize the change.
Supported carriers include Telekom in Germany, EE and BT in the UK, Boost Mobile in the US, and AIS and True in Thailand.
The move follows significant fines imposed by the FCC on major U.S. carriers for privacy violations, totaling nearly $200 million.
Apple's initiative represents a significant step in enhancing user privacy by limiting data collection by cellular networks.