by Juli Clover
With the launch of iOS 16.2, Apple is expanding an AirDrop limitation that was introduced in China with the launch of iOS 16.1.1. Going forward, AirDrop will be primarily restricted to Contacts Only, and the option to turn on AirDrop for "Everyone" will be limited to 10 minutes.
Right now, AirDrop has three options: "Receiving Off," "Contacts Only," and "Everyone." The current "Everyone" option allows users to receive files and photos from all other iPhone users that are in close proximity using AirDrop, but in iOS 16.2, it is changing to "Everyone for 10 Minutes."
With the change, "Everyone" can still be enabled to allow users to receive content from anyone, but it will switch off after a 10 minute period, reverting to "Contacts Only." The tweak will require users to explicitly activate AirDrop to receive files and photos from strangers.
Apple allegedly made this change in China in the iOS 16.1.1 update after protestors in the country used AirDrop to spread anti-government material. Apple said that the feature was actually introduced in an effort to cut down on spam content spread in crowded areas like malls and airports.
Note: Due to the political or social nature of the discussion regarding this topic, the discussion thread is located in our Political News forum. All forum members and site visitors are welcome to read and follow the thread, but posting is limited to forum members with at least 100 posts.
Tag: AirDrop
Related Forum: iOS 16
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Top Rated Comments
Canezmd
23 months ago
I guess it worked so well for suppression in China, they're gonna expand it to the world.
Otherwise, why not leave the option for "everyone" like it's been since the beginning.
You can always add the time limit as an "option".
Score: 43 Votes (Like | Disagree)
appleguy123
23 months ago
I prefer to leave mine on for convenience. I’ve never had anything bad happen ever. Annoying that this convenient feature is being taken away.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Love-hate ? relationship
23 months ago
this is so annoying . why not leave an always on option ? typical apple
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Love-hate ? relationship
23 months ago
People would set it to everyone then, complain and sue Apple when they receive p*rn,graphic images and spam
i get that . still annoying, for me at least. having to enable it everytime i want a student to send me a file is annoying
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
supremedesigner
23 months ago
This 10 minutes limitation is dumb. How about:
* Off
* Contact Only
* 10 Minutes Only
* Forever
It worked so well for suppression in China so they're gonna expand it globally.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
omihek
23 months ago
Ok? What if I want it set to Everyone all the time? Don't remove the option, just add a 4th option for Everyone for 10 minutes. It's not like you can only allow 3 options, Apple.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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