Apple’s iOS 16.1.1 and iOS 16.2 Beta 2 recently added a new “open to everyone for 10 minutes” option to AirDrop for iPhone models in China, limiting the amount of time iPhone users can receive files wirelessly from strangers. stranger files over the air.
Apple AirDrop typically has three options, including “Turn off reception,” “Contacts only,” and “Everyone. When the “Everyone” option is selected, any other iPhone user in the vicinity can try to send you a file via AirDrop, resulting in a pop-up window on the screen to accept or reject the file transfer with no time limit. Open to All for 10 minutes” instead of the “All” option, which had a 10-minute limit. After that time, AirDrop will automatically switch to the “Contacts Only” setting.
Apple has told Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman that the company plans to roll out a new AirDrop setting globally in the coming year to reduce unnecessary file sharing. Since the feature was introduced in 2011, some iPhone users have received inappropriate photos or been pranked by strangers via AirDrop, especially in crowded places like malls and airplanes.
It’s unclear exactly when the set will be available in other countries, or if Apple will allow users to customize time limits in the future.