Apple: iOS 16.2’s AirDrop for Everyone Limits to 10 Mins. Worldwide —Not Just for China

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 07 December 2022, 07:12 pm

When Apple rolled out the iOS 16.2 beta for China, there was a slight change in its AirDrop usage where people may only keep their 'Everyone' option available for ten minutes, then revert to 'Contacts Only.' Now, on its release candidate coming for the world, this time limit is applied for the world, and it means that people cannot keep their AirDrop on to receive files and the like from random people at all times.

This change for the AirDrop for 'Everyone' received massive criticism in China, especially as people can no longer keep it for their needs in spreading information about its government.

Apple iOS 16.2: AirDrop for 'Everyone' Only Available for 10 Minutes

(Photo : Apple)

Apple is now rolling out the iOS 16.2 Release Candidate to developers and early recipients, and one of the most significant changes here is for the AirDrop of the global iPhone and iPad users.

People can no longer keep their AirDrop available for 'Everyone' at all times as it has a time limit where it would automatically turn off in 10 minutes, then need manual access to turn it on again.

While this may not be an issue for some people, especially for those who forget to turn off their AirDrop or change to 'Contacts Only,' some may find this change somewhat troublesome for their devices.

There were no explanations from Apple regarding their decision towards this feature, especially with their current setup for the Chinese market where they first rolled this out.

Apple's Change in China is Now a Global Observation

According to 9to5 Mac, the previous change in China is because of its government's alleged request to Apple to limit the AirDrop for Everyone feature to turn off at a given time.

Chinese protestors against its current government and president, Xi Jinping, use this Apple feature to spread information and other content amongst fellow iOS users.

Apple's iOS 16 Releases and Features

The latest operating system version for the iPhone and iPad is iOS 16, and Apple brought significant features here that change the way people use their mobile devices from the company. For those who are still holding on to iOS 15 and thinking about upgrading to the current system, it may be the time to do so to avoid any problems on their devices.

Despite having minimal changes in the iOS 16's user interface and experience, there are still many features to look forwards to when using the latest OS for their Apple devices.

One of its significant upgrades is with the Camera Roll where users can use the likes of the iCloud's Shared Album feature where they can have an intended bank where other people may view it upon capture.

Also, the exclusive PassKeys feature for storing passwords and login credentials is an experience that people uphold for the new OS.

However, the latest change for IOS 16.2 changes the way people may access their AirDrop to receive files from, say, a certain event where organizers will be handing out information through the wireless transfer. It would require people to go back to their Settings or the Control Center to turn on their receive from 'Everyone' feature every 10 minutes.