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c/pulse_of_truth · by lemmydev2@infosec.pub · 205d

Apple’s new iPhone and iPad security feature limits cell networks from collecting precise location data

https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/29/apples-new-iphone-and-ipad-security-feature-limits-cell-networks-from-collecting-precise-location-data/

The new security feature makes it more difficult for police and malicious hackers to obtain a person's precise location data from a cell phone company.

21 points · 9 comments · view on lemmy.world

9 Comments

otter@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 11 pts · 205d

InB4 the inevitable breach and/or revelation that Apple's been exploiting it for profit the whole time.

MalReynolds@piefed.social · 6 pts · 205d

Hmm, x Doubt. As I understand it mobile providers can locate phones via triangulation of signal strength, which would be independent of the phone OS. The apple blurb says

With this setting turned on, some information made available to cellular networks is limited. As a result, they might be able to determine only a less precise location

Perhaps the OS or the baseband report location to make tracking more effective in the case of only being within range of one or two towers, but those words are pretty weaselly. About the only thing this could do is turn off information apple has already been giving providers, which begs the question, why were they doing that?

SPRUNT@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 205d (6 replies)

I feel like this will also have a detrimental effect on emergency medical response and the way they have to use geolocation with cell calls.

Codename_goose@sh.itjust.works · 5 pts · 205d (4 replies)

Not trying to start anything, but from the article:

Apple said switching on the feature does not affect the precision of location data shared with apps, or shared with first responders during an emergency call.

massive_bereavement@fedia.io · 1 pts · 205d (3 replies)

What do you mean with "article"?

Codename_goose@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 205d (2 replies)

The link in the original post to the TechCrunch website/article

techcrunch: Apple’s new iPhone and iPad security feature limits cell networks from collecting precise location data

massive_bereavement@fedia.io · 1 pts · 205d (1 reply)

I was joking, but I salute your enthusiasm and good will.

Codename_goose@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 204d

I’m bad at detecting sarcasm. Thank you for being cordial about it.

LordMayor@piefed.social · 4 pts · 205d

The phone can send GPS coordinates with 911 or 112. They don’t need to triangulate off of cell towers.