Apple's new iPhone and iPad security feature limits cell networks from collecting precise location data | TechCrunch

"A new security feature rolled out to select models of the latest iPhones and iPads this week will make it more difficult for law enforcement, spies, and malicious hackers to obtain a person's precise location data from their phone provider. According to Apple, the new feature, when enabled, limits the precision of location data that iPhones and cellular-enabled iPads share with the customer's cell carrier."

"The limit precise location feature is supported on iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular, running iOS 26.3, and is available on a handful of global carriers including Telekom in Germany, AIS and True Thailand, EE and BT in the United Kingdom, and the Boost Mobile in United States. The company did not give a reason for introducing the new feature, and a spokesperson for Apple would not comment on the record when reached by email."

Select recent iPhone and cellular iPad models can now limit the precision of location data shared with cellular carriers, providing neighborhood-level rather than street-level coordinates when enabled. The setting does not reduce location accuracy delivered to apps or first responders during emergency calls. The feature is available on specific models running iOS 26.3 and on a handful of global carriers including Telekom (Germany), AIS and True (Thailand), EE and BT (United Kingdom), and Boost Mobile (United States). Apple did not explain the reason for the change and did not comment on the record. The rollout arrives amid increased carrier-targeted surveillance and hacking incidents.

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