The Precise Location Restriction feature is now available on new iPhone and iPad models.
Apple has added a feature to the latest versions of iOS and iPadOS that makes the way mobile operators determine a user's location less accurately. The new setting, called "Limit precise location," reduces the amount of data mobile networks receive about a device's actual location without impacting network performance.
The function is simple. Typically, carriers can determine a smartphone's location based on the base stations it connects to. When this setting is enabled, the system limits some of this information, so the operator sees only a rough area, such as a neighborhood or block, rather than a specific address or street, rather than a point on the map. However, this doesn't affect signal quality or user experience. In emergency situations, such as when calling emergency services, precise location data is still transmitted without restrictions. This setting also doesn't affect geolocation functionality in apps and services, including sharing your location with friends and family.
The feature is available on the new iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and iPad Pro (M5) models with cellular data, running iOS 26.3 or later, and when connected to supported carriers. It currently works in Germany, the UK, the US, and Thailand. You can enable the restriction in the cellular settings, after which the device may require a reboot.
Apple has added a feature to the latest versions of iOS and iPadOS that makes the way mobile operators determine a user's location less accurately. The new setting, called "Limit precise location," reduces the amount of data mobile networks receive about a device's actual location without impacting network performance.
The function is simple. Typically, carriers can determine a smartphone's location based on the base stations it connects to. When this setting is enabled, the system limits some of this information, so the operator sees only a rough area, such as a neighborhood or block, rather than a specific address or street, rather than a point on the map. However, this doesn't affect signal quality or user experience. In emergency situations, such as when calling emergency services, precise location data is still transmitted without restrictions. This setting also doesn't affect geolocation functionality in apps and services, including sharing your location with friends and family.
The feature is available on the new iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and iPad Pro (M5) models with cellular data, running iOS 26.3 or later, and when connected to supported carriers. It currently works in Germany, the UK, the US, and Thailand. You can enable the restriction in the cellular settings, after which the device may require a reboot.
