Apple has introduced a new iPhone and iPad security feature that restricts how precisely mobile networks can track a user’s location. The update is designed to improve privacy by reducing the accuracy of location data shared with cellular carriers, while keeping app functionality and emergency services unaffected.
Apple Limits Precise Location Data Shared With Carriers
Apple confirmed that the new feature, when enabled, reduces the precision of location information shared between supported iPhones, iPads, and their cellular providers. Instead of revealing an exact street-level position, devices will only transmit a broader area, such as a neighborhood.
According to Apple, this change makes it harder for third parties — including law enforcement agencies, intelligence actors, and hackers — to obtain highly accurate location data through telecom networks.
Apps and Emergency Services Remain Unaffected
Apple clarified that enabling the security feature does not impact location accuracy for apps such as maps, ride-hailing services, or social platforms. Emergency services also continue to receive precise location data during emergency calls.
This ensures that safety-critical services remain reliable while improving background privacy at the network level.
Supported Devices, Software, and Carriers
The feature is currently available on select devices running iOS 26.3, including:
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16e
- iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular
Apple says the feature works only with supported carriers, which currently include Telekom (Germany), AIS and True (Thailand), EE and BT (UK), and Boost Mobile (US).
Why This Feature Matters for User Privacy
The update arrives as telecom providers increasingly share location data with law enforcement agencies for real-time tracking and historical movement analysis. At the same time, mobile carriers have become frequent targets of cyberattacks aimed at stealing sensitive customer data.
In recent months, major US carriers such as AT&T and Verizon disclosed intrusions linked to China-backed hackers, known as Salt Typhoon, who targeted call logs and messages belonging to high-profile individuals.
Experts Call It a Step in the Right Direction
Mobile security expert Gary Miller explained that smartphones often provide location data to networks beyond what users expect.
“Most people don’t realize that phones can share location data outside of apps,” Miller said. He added that while app-level GPS permissions exist, devices have historically lacked controls over location sharing with cellular networks.
Miller described Apple’s move as a positive step, even though the feature is currently limited to a small number of carriers.
