Apple's 10-minute time limit for AirDrop settings, which is being tested in China under iOS 16.1.1, is set to be extended to all users.
Late Wednesday evening, it was revealed that Apple had introduced a limit for customers in China. In the iOS 16.1.1 update and the iOS 16.2 developer beta, the company added a ten-minute limit on sharing files via AirDrop with the "Everyone" setting. Apple has allegedly worked with the Chinese government to prevent protesters from sharing anti-government materials. However, the company has neither announced nor publicly commented on the change.
Apple makes changes to the “Everyone” rule for AirDrop
Now reports Bloombergthat the new restriction will eventually apply to all Apple customers worldwide. If AirDrop is set to "Everyone," anyone within range of an Apple user can send files wirelessly. The device will then display a pop-up window asking the user whether to accept or decline file sharing. With the change, the "Everyone" setting will only be valid for 10 minutes. Afterward, the whole process must be reactivated. Protesters have used this feature to their advantage in the past. In 2019, demonstrators in Hong Kong used AirDrop to distribute digital leaflets about an extradition bill. (Photo by Unsplash / Miguel Tomás)
