Apple pushed out iOS 17.1 to augment the host of new features we got in iOS 17. The new additions include some important changes to AirDrop, Appleās short-range wireless tech which allows people to quickly share files between Apple devices and the new features are enabled by default.
These updates have implications for the way that you (and the people in your family) share information, so itās important to know whatās different and how you can disable the new functionality if you want to keep everything on your iPhone locked down.
AirDrop continues to be a hugely convenient and reliable way of sharing files and data between Apple devices, but there are security and privacy issues that come along with it, and that you need to be on top of.
NameDrop
The first new feature in AirDrop is NameDrop, which takes the hassle out of sharing contact information: If you meet someone new who also has an iPhone, all you need to do is unlock your respective handsets and tap them together to bring up a prompt to share contact information.
When the prompt appears, you can tap Receive Only to receive the new contact details, or Share to receive the contact details and send yours back in return. Note that this only works for sharing information about a new contactāyou canāt use it to update the details you already have about someone.
Itās of course important to stay up to date with these features, but donāt panic about news reports (some of which have been shared by local police departments) about strangers grabbing the contact details of kids. Nothing is shared automatically: The on-screen prompt must be manually accepted, and the iPhone must be unlocked with Face ID, Touch ID or a PIN, for anything to happen.
It is true that NameDrop is enabled by default once youāve got the iOS 17.1 update installed on your phone. If youād rather this enhanced contact…
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