The iOS 16.2 release candidate is now available for developers and includes a number of different changes and upgrades. The update also extends a change to AirDrop that was previously limited to China: restricting how the “Everyone” option works with a new limitation.
A new restriction on AirDrop settings
Historically, Apple has offered three different options for AirDrop. “Receive Off” disables anyone’s ability to AirDrop something from you entirely, while “Contacts Only” means that only people saved in your Contacts can AirDrop something to you.
There’s also an “Everyone” option that lets anyone nearby send you a file, photo, or other content via AirDrop. This means that anyone around you, whether you know them or not, would see your iPhone as a target for AirDrop.
Last month, however, Apple changed this setting, starting with iPhone users in China. In iOS 16.1.1 and iOS 16.2 beta 2 in China, the “Everyone” option could only be enabled for 10 minutes. After that 10-minute period elapses, the AirDrop setting would revert to “Contacts Only.”
Apple drew criticism for the change as protesters in China used AirDrop to distribute posters and other content in opposition to Xi Jinping and the Chinese government. It is believed that the Chinese government made the change request to Apple, and Apple complied with this request.
At the time, Apple also said it would expand this restriction for AirDrop globally starting in 2023. The company, however, appears to have accelerated this timeline. Starting with iOS 16.2 RC today, the new restriction on “Everyone” option for AirDrop is now in place worldwide.
This means that you can no longer permanently enable AirDrop for “Everyone”. Instead, the option can only be enabled for 10 minutes at a time. You will then need to go back to the AirDrop settings and recheck the “Everyone” option.
Now that iOS 16.2 RC is available for developers, we expect the update to be released for everyone as early as next week. The update includes a number of new changes and features, including end-to-end encryption upgrades, Apple Music Sing, and more.
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