Khaberni - The new iOS 26.3 update from Apple has arrived amidst significant anticipation from users for the Siri 2.0 voice assistant features, initially expected to appear in the beta iOS 26.4 update.
Despite the ongoing delay of these features, the latest update provides a strong layer of protection for geographic location privacy, marking an important step for users of compatible iPhone and iPad devices.
Enhancing geographic privacy
iOS 26.3 includes the Limit Precise Location feature, designed to reduce the accuracy of location data that mobile network operators can access from the device's modem chip, according to a report published by PhoneArena.
When the feature is activated, telecommunications companies will not be able to know your exact address location; instead, they will only know the area or neighborhood, while maintaining signal quality and user experience.
This addition is an important step in combating precise tracking of smart device users, especially amid escalating reliance on location data for various apps and services.
Devices supported by the feature
The new feature is only available for devices equipped with an Apple-designed modem chip (C1 or C1X) and manufactured by TSMC, currently including:
- iPhone Air.
- iPhone 16e.
- M5 iPad Pro.
The countries and telecommunications companies supporting the feature
The ability to benefit from the feature varies by country and network operator, currently including:
- Germany: Telekom
- United Kingdom: EE, BT
- United States: Boost Mobile
- Thailand: AIS, True
Steps to activate location protection
Users can easily activate the feature via the settings, following these steps:
1. Navigate to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data.
2. Select the SIM if the device contains more than one line.
3. Scroll to the option Limit Device Protection.
4. Toggle Limit Precise Location on or off as needed.
A device restart may be required to complete the process and fully apply the protection.
The future of privacy in upcoming iPhone devices
Apple is expected to reveal the iPhone 18 series in September 2026, which will likely include: iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and iPhone Fold.
These devices are expected to operate with Apple's new C2 modem chip, which may offer users a higher level of location protection if the feature continues to be supported by telecommunications companies.
The necessity of installing the update
Apple emphasizes the importance of immediately installing iOS 26.3 due to it containing critical security patches, and it can be downloaded via: Settings > General > Software Update.
Despite some delays in Siri 2.0 features announced at the WWDC 2024 conference, security updates and location privacy remain a priority that cannot afford to be delayed, particularly in the face of increasing competition from AI-driven smart assistants like Gemini on Android devices, according to PhoneArena.
