Apple Gives Users More Control Over Location Tracking by Mobile Carriers
New iOS Feature Limits How Precisely Cellular Networks Can Track iPhones and iPads
Apple is rolling out a new privacy feature that allows users to limit the precision of location data shared with mobile carriers, reducing how accurately cellular networks can track device locations.
The feature, called “Limit Precise Location,” becomes available on supported devices after upgrading to iOS 26.3 or later. When enabled, mobile networks can only determine a device’s approximate location, such as a neighborhood, rather than a precise street-level position.
How the Feature Works
Unlike app-level location controls, this setting specifically restricts carrier-level location tracking, which typically relies on cell tower connections rather than GPS.
According to Apple:
“The limit precise location setting doesn’t impact the precision of the location data that is shared with emergency responders during an emergency call.”
The company also clarified that:
- App-based location sharing remains unchanged
- Features like Find My continue to work normally
- Emergency services still receive precise location data
How to Enable It
Users can turn on the feature by navigating to:
Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Limit Precise Location
After activation, the device may request a restart to complete the process.
Supported Devices and Networks
The feature is currently limited to select hardware models, including:
- iPhone Air
- iPhone 16e
- iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular
Availability also depends on carrier support. As of now, supported networks include:
- Germany: Telekom
- United Kingdom: EE, BT
- United States: Boost Mobile
- Thailand: AIS, True
Why This Matters
Cellular carriers routinely collect location data for network operations, but such data can also reveal detailed movement patterns over time. Apple’s update reduces the amount of information carriers can collect, strengthening user privacy by default.
The move comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny. In April 2024, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission fined major wireless carriers nearly $200 million for mishandling customer location data, including penalties against Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint.
Privacy Impact
By limiting carrier-level location precision:
- Users gain greater control over passive location tracking
- Carriers receive only the data necessary for basic connectivity
- Long-term behavioral profiling becomes more difficult
Although currently limited in scope, the feature signals a broader shift toward minimizing data exposure at the infrastructure level, not just within apps.