Apple has introduced a new security feature on select iPhone and iPad models aimed at enhancing user privacy by limiting the precision of location data shared with mobile carriers. This update, which commenced this week, allows users to share only general location information—like their neighbourhood—rather than exact addresses, making it more challenging for law enforcement, spies, and hackers to track individuals’ movements.
The feature can be activated without impacting the accuracy of location data shared with applications or during emergency calls. It is compatible with models such as the iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and Wi-Fi + Cellular-enabled iPad Pro (M5), requiring iOS version 26.3. It is currently available through select carriers globally, including Telekom in Germany, AIS and True in Thailand, and BT and EE in the UK, as well as Boost Mobile in the US.
While Apple did not publicly disclose the motivations behind this introduction, it comes at a time when law enforcement agencies increasingly access personal location data from carriers for real-time tracking or to review travel histories. Moreover, instances of cyberattacks directed at telecoms, most notably attributed to a China-backed group known as Salt Typhoon, have raised concerns over the potential theft of sensitive data, including call logs and message contents from US officials.
The vulnerabilities that exist within global cellular networks have long allowed surveillance companies to monitor individuals’ location data. Gary Miller, a mobile security expert and senior director at iVerify, noted that while telecom operators can estimate a phone’s location, the device also plays a critical role in relaying precise data back to the carrier. He highlighted that many users are unaware that their devices can transmit location information beyond application usage, pointing out that although users can restrict GPS data at the app level, they typically have not been able to control the precise location information sent to the network.
Miller remarked that, despite its limited applicability across a small number of networks, Apple’s feature marks a significant step towards empowering users with improved privacy.
Fanpage: TechArena.au
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