Apple to Limit AirDrop to Mitigate Unwanted File Sharing

Apple has limited the AirDrop wireless file sharing feature on iPhones in China due to the fact that it was used by protesters in China.

The latest version of iOS 16.1.1 has limited receiving files from non-contacts to 10 minutes, after which the system reverts to a mode where files can only be received from contacts. This means that users will not be able to receive an AirDrop transfer from a stranger without enabling the feature within the previous few minutes.

Apple has also said it plans to roll out the new way AirDrop works around the world next year to reduce unwanted file sharing.

The AirDrop feature is often misused. There have reportedly been delays or cancellations of flights due to passengers on planes sending false terrorist threats or pornographic images to other people on board.