Apple has introduced a new privacy feature that allows users to restrict the accuracy of location data shared with cellular networks on a few iPad models and iPhone.
About the feature
The “Limit Precise Location” feature will start after updating to iOS26.3 or later. It restricts the information that mobile carriers use to decide locations through cell tower connections. Once turned on, cellular networks can only detect the device’s location, like neighbourhood instead of accurate street address.
According to Apple, “The precise location setting doesn't impact the precision of the location data that is shared with emergency responders during an emergency call.” “This setting affects only the location data available to cellular networks. It doesn't impact the location data that you share with apps through Location Services. For example, it has no impact on sharing your location with friends and family with Find My.”
Users can turn on the feature by opening “Settings,” selecting “Cellular,” “Cellular Data Options,” and clicking the “Limit Precise Location” setting. After turning on limited precise location, the device may trigger a device restart to complete activation.
The privacy enhancement feature works only on iPhone Air, iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular variants running on iOS 26.3 or later.
Where will it work?
The availability of this feature will depend on carrier support. The mobile networks compatible are:
EE and BT in the UK
Boost Mobile in the UK
Telecom in Germany
AIS and True in Thailand
Apple hasn't shared the reason for introducing this feature yet.
Compatibility of networks with the new feature
Apple's new privacy feature, which is currently only supported by a small number of networks, is a significant step towards ensuring that carriers can only collect limited data on their customers' movements and habits because cellular networks can easily track device locations via tower connections for network operations.
“Cellular networks can determine your location based on which cell towers your device connects to. The limit precise location setting enhances your location privacy by reducing the precision of location data available to cellular networks,”
