Apple to tighten AirDrop security amid various security concerns | Digit

Apple’s next iOS update will tighten AirDrop security for all of its users. This is after the recent event that made news globally of how protestors were organizing with strangers in China using the ‘AirDrop’ feature in China. 

What had happened recently was that people who were travelling or were present in public places often received AirDrops such as “Xi Jinping’s iPhone would like to share a photo”. Out of sheer curiosity when the people opened it, they received a poster that was against the leadership of the country.

Other than that there were also reports wherein people were sharing objectionable images through AirDrops.

What will happen according to the new update?

According to the new update, a 10-minute cap will be imposed for the users who avail of the AirDrop ‘share with everyone’ setting. After the time limit is over, the AirDrop will be reverted to ‘Contacts Only’. This change arrived in China for the first time after media houses started reporting the contribution of this too to the protests. 

Apple had also mentioned that this feature would not remain only for China and come out for the world later. Lo and behold, it has been announced to the world less than a month after being introduced in China. 

This is being seen as an effort by Apple to mend relations between it and China. The reason that they might need mending in the first place is that firstly most of Apple’s products are manufactured in China. Secondly, it is estimated that around 20% of the revenue that Apple generates comes from China. 

Is this the only ‘new feature’ in the latest update?

The update that rolls out this feature globally is iOS 16.2 which also comes with other features. Enhanced end-to-end encryption and an Apple Music karaoke feature have also been added along, wherein a ‘Sing’ feature has been introduced to take over the vocals.

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