London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Monday, Jun 30, 2025

Apple limits popular file-sharing feature

Apple limits popular file-sharing feature

Apple is introducing a controversial update that makes it harder for iPhone users in China to contact large groups of strangers

The tech giant is accused of curbing AirDrop capabilities to appease the Chinese government

Following an update on Wednesday to its iOS operating system, Apple will limit the ability of iPhone users in China to share files wirelessly with groups of strangers, a controversial move some believe is an effort to placate the Chinese government. 

Chinese iPhone users with AirDrop enabled will only be able to receive files from users not on their contacts list for ten minutes after enabling the feature once the iOS 16.1.1 update is installed. After that period, they can only receive files from contacts – or no one at all, if they have the feature turned off. If they want to receive files from everybody again, they must reactivate the feature. 

AirDrop is a function that allows users to send and receive files between Bluetooth-capable Apple devices, which are detected within a 328-foot range even if the devices’ owners have not previously had contact.  

The new limit is meant to curb unwanted file sharing, according to Apple, and the company said it plans to roll out the update worldwide in the coming year. However, Bloomberg speculated on Thursday that it was a gift to the Chinese government from Apple. 

While AirDrop can be abused – ‘cyber-flashing’ became an unwanted trend in 2017, leading New York City to take steps to ban it – users concerned about unsolicited contact have the option of making themselves discoverable only by people they’ve added to their contacts, or invisible to all. 

However, AirDrop was also used by protesters in Hong Kong to send messages to tourists from mainland China informing them of the reason for their demonstrations. Because it operates using Bluetooth rather than the internet proper, the feature is not subject to government censorship.  

The use of AirDrop to send subversive messages was reported again in the last month by Western media eager to seize upon any signs of popular discontent with premier Xi Jinping’s rule, as the leader recently secured a third term as head of the Chinese Communist Party.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Robots Compete in Football Tournament in China Amid Injuries
Trump Administration Considers Withdrawal of Funding for Hospitals Providing Gender Treatment to Minors
Texas Enacts Law Allowing Gold and Silver Transactions
China Unveils Miniature Insect-Like Surveillance Drone
OpenAI Secures Multimillion-Dollar AI Contracts with Pentagon, India, and Grab
Marc Marquez Claims Victory at Dutch Grand Prix Amidst Family Misfortune
Germany Votes to Suspend Family Reunification for Asylum Seekers
Elon Musk Critiques Senate Budget Proposal Over Job Losses and Strategic Risks
Los Angeles Riots ended with Federal Investigations into Funding
Budapest Pride Parade Draws 200,000 Participants Amid Government Ban
Southern Europe Experiences Extreme Heat
Xiaomi's YU7 SUV Launch Garners Record Pre-Orders Amid Market Challenges
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Lavish Wedding in Venice
Russia Launches Largest Air Assault on Ukraine Since Invasion
Education Secretary Announces Overhaul of Complaints System Amid Rising Parental Grievances
Massive Anti-Government Protests Erupt in Belgrade
Trump Ends Trade Talks with Canada Over Digital Services Tax
UK Government Softens Welfare Reform Plans Amid Labour Party Rebellion
Labour Faces Rebellion Over Disability Benefit Reforms Ahead of Key Vote
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Host Lavish Wedding in Venice Amid Protests
Trump Asserts Readiness for Further Strikes on Iran Amid Nuclear Tensions
North Korea to Open New Beach Resort to Boost Tourism Economy
UK Labour Party Faces Internal Tensions Over Welfare Reforms
Andrew Cuomo Hints at Potential November Comeback Amid Democratic Primary Results
Curtis Sliwa Champions His Vision for New York City Amid Rising Crime Concerns
Federal Reserve Proposes Changes to Capital Rule Affecting Major Banks
EU TO HUNGARY: LET THEM PRIDE OR PREP FOR SHADE. ORBÁN TO EU: STAY IN YOUR LANE AND FIX YOUR OWN MESS.
Trump Escalates Criticism of Media Over Iran Strike Coverage
Trump Announces Upcoming US-Iran Meeting Amid Controversial Airstrikes
Trump Moves to Reshape Middle East Following Israel-Iran Conflict
Big Four Accounting Firms Fined in Exam Cheating Scandal
NATO Members Agree to 5% Defense Spending Target by 2035
Australia's Star Casino Secures $195 Million Rescue Package Amid Challenges
UK to Enhance Nuclear Capabilities with Acquisition of F-35A Fighter Jets
Russian Shadow Payments via Cryptocurrency Reach $9 Billion
Explosions Rock Doha as Iranian Missiles Target Qatar
“You Have 12 Hours to Flee”: Israeli Threat Campaign Targets Surviving Iranian Officials
Macron and Merz: Europe must arm itself in an unstable world
Germany and Italy Under Pressure to Repatriate $245bn of Gold from US Vaults
Airlines Evaluate Flight Cancellations Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions
Starmer Invites Innovators to Join Government Talent Scheme
UK Economy’s Strong Opening Quarter Shows Signs of Cooling
Harrods Seeks Court Order to Secure Al Fayed Estate for Victims
BA and Singapore Airlines Cancel Dubai Flights Amid Middle East Tensions
Trump Faces Backlash from MAGA Base Over Iran Strikes
Meta Bets $14 B on Alexandr Wang to Drive AI Ambitions
WATCH: Israeli forces show the aftermath of a massive airstrike at Iran's Isfahan nuclear site
FedEx Founder Fred Smith, ‘Heart and Soul’ of the Company, Dies at 80
Chinese Factories Shift Away from U.S. Amid Trump‑Era Tariffs
Pimco Seizes Opportunity in Japan’s Dislocated Bond Market
×