With the launch of iOS 16.2, Apple is expanding an AirDrop restriction that was introduced in China with the launch of iOS 16.1.1. Going forward, AirDrop will be limited primarily to contacts, and the option to enable AirDrop for "Everyone" will be limited to 10 minutes.
Currently, AirDrop has three options: "Receive Off," "Contacts Only," and "Everyone." The current "Everyone" option allows users to AirDrop files and photos from any other iPhone user who is nearby. However, in iOS 16.2, this option will be changed to "Everyone for 10 minutes." changed. With this tweak, the Everyone option can still be enabled so users can receive content from everyone, but it will be disabled after 10 minutes and revert to Contacts Only.
AirDrop limit will be extended to all users under iOS 16.2
The tweak requires users to explicitly enable AirDrop to receive files and photos from strangers. Apple reportedly made this change in China in the beta version of iOS 16.1.1 after protesters in the country used AirDrop to spread anti-government material. Apple explained that the feature was introduced to limit the spread of spam content in busy areas such as shopping malls and airports. (Photo by Unsplash / Miguel Tomás)
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