Apple has released iOS 16.1.1 for iPhone users all over the world. While the latest version of iOS does not bring any major changes, there is a major change coming for iPhone users in China. With iOS 16.1.1, Apple is changing how AirDrop works for users in China.
The update introduces a 10-minute time limit for the “Everyone” option in AirDrop for iPhones purchased in mainland China, as per multiple users on Weibo. So, users in China now can’t keep AirDrop active for an unlimited time for everyone, and they will have no more than 10 minutes to complete the transfer once enabled. After 10 minutes, the AirDrop will revert to “Contacts Only.”
Though the change comes only for iPhone users in mainland China, as the restriction is based on hardware rather than software.
iPhones come with AirDrop set to “Contacts only” by default, though a user can change it to “Everyone,” which allows them to share files with anyone anytime. Though the option has its own risk, users sometimes forget to turn off the AirDrop, and bad actors can use the situation to transfer unsolicited files. So, it has been argued that the limit should have existed already.
The restriction comes after protestors were found using AirDrop to share images opposing the government of China, reports Bloomberg. The Airdrop is one of the few uncensored communication medium in mainland China, thus becoming one of the major tools for protests against the ruling government in the country for a while now.
Apple has not given any comment on why the restriction has been put in place in China only. However, the company has confirmed to Bloomberg that this would soon come to users across the globe.
The update introduces a 10-minute time limit for the “Everyone” option in AirDrop for iPhones purchased in mainland China, as per multiple users on Weibo. So, users in China now can’t keep AirDrop active for an unlimited time for everyone, and they will have no more than 10 minutes to complete the transfer once enabled. After 10 minutes, the AirDrop will revert to “Contacts Only.”
Though the change comes only for iPhone users in mainland China, as the restriction is based on hardware rather than software.
iPhones come with AirDrop set to “Contacts only” by default, though a user can change it to “Everyone,” which allows them to share files with anyone anytime. Though the option has its own risk, users sometimes forget to turn off the AirDrop, and bad actors can use the situation to transfer unsolicited files. So, it has been argued that the limit should have existed already.
The restriction comes after protestors were found using AirDrop to share images opposing the government of China, reports Bloomberg. The Airdrop is one of the few uncensored communication medium in mainland China, thus becoming one of the major tools for protests against the ruling government in the country for a while now.
Apple has not given any comment on why the restriction has been put in place in China only. However, the company has confirmed to Bloomberg that this would soon come to users across the globe.
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