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Apple released the third beta of iOS 26.3 to developers and power users. A part of the upcoming update is a new privacy feature called "limit precise location," aimed at curbing how much of your location data is shared with mobile carriers.
"With the limit precise location setting, you can limit some information that cellular networks may use to determine your location. Available on compatible iPhone and iPad models with supported carriers," Apple says in a newly published support document.
By supported, it means that the iOS 26's limit precise location feature currently works on iPhones and iPads with Apple's C-series cellular modems (C1 and C1X). The list of such devices currently includes a handful:
Cellular networks can determine your device's location by identifying which cell towers it connects to. The privacy feature is designed to reduce the "precision of location data available to cellular networks."
The feature allows carriers to know a less-accurate location, such as the device's neighbourhood, rather than a street address. However, Apple assures that the feature doesn't interfere with sharing precise location data with emergency services during an emergency call.
You can turn the feature on or off in the Settings app. Go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options (Tap on one of your lines if you have more than one working SIM). Next, scroll down to find 'Limit Precise Location.' You might be asked to restart the device when you turn the setting on or off.
Apple says that limit precise location currently works with a small number of supported carriers in the US, UK, and other countries:
- United States: Boost Mobile
- United Kingdom: EE, BT
- Germany: Telekom
- Thailand: AIS, True
The latest iOS 26.3 beta has arrived alongside iOS 26.2.1, which brings support for Apple's first hardware product of 2026. In your free time, you can read about the 90+ products and services Apple launched in 2025.
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Posted Tuesday 27 January 2026 at 6:06 pm AEST (my time).
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