APPLE

Electronic giant generalizes AirDrop restrictions with iOS 16.2

As part of the upcoming iOS 16.2 update, expected to be released today, Apple will introduce something new to its AirDrop technology. This wireless technology allows the sharing of files between the brand's devices that are close by. And it relies above all on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Currently, when using this resource, the user has the option to choose between three configuration options. He can turn off the reception so as not to receive any AirDrop requests, and there are two other options that he allows from all users or only from his contacts.

Currently, only contacts can see a device, or who uses everyone, can see nearby Apple devices using AirDrop. With iOS 16.2, the Everyone setting will be limited to 10 minutes. After the 10 minute timer has elapsed, the setting will automatically change to Contacts Only. That is, using the All option will require manual activation every 10 minutes.

"AirDrop automatically reverts to Contacts only after 10 minutes to avoid prompts to receive unwanted content," Apple writes in the release notes.

Such a change to AirDrop had already been implemented in iOS 16.1.1, but only in China, and I talked about it here. Bloomberg had mentioned a change after the use of the service by protesters in China, with the aim of spreading messages of opposition to Xi Jinping and the Chinese government.

Apple has not commented on this, but has said that it plans to launch the new configuration for AirDrop globally next year. The claimed idea is to mitigate unwanted file sharing.

This rollout for everyone will therefore take place a little earlier than expected with the imminent release of iOS 16.2 and other updates to Apple's operating systems.

mundophone