Apple today rolled out iOS 16.2 RC, bringing a number of new features, including iCloud end-to-end encryption upgrades, Apple Music Sing and more. The update also extends an AirDrop (over-the-air drop) feature previously limited to China to the global market, which is “open to everyone for 10 minutes.
Apple’s AirDrop previously had three different options. “Receive Off” completely turns off the ability for someone to send you AirDrop over the air, while “Contacts Only” means that only people who are saved in your contacts can send you things using AirDrop. There’s also an “Everyone” option that allows anyone nearby to send you files, photos, or other content via AirDrop. This means that anyone around you, whether you know them or not, can see your iPhone as a target for AirDrop.
Last month, however, Apple changed this setting and the feature was first made available to iPhone users in China. In iOS 16.1.1 and iOS 16.2 Beta 2 in China, the “Everyone” option is now only enabled for 10 minutes, after which the AirDrop setting will change back to “Contacts Only”.
As of today’s iOS 16.2 RC, the new “10 minutes for everyone” feature is now available globally.
Apple says the feature was introduced to reduce the spread of spam in crowded areas like malls and airports.
