The new iOS update is automatically reverting the AirDrop settings from ‘Everyone’ to ‘Contacts only’ after 10 minutes.
AirDrop is Apple’s exclusive wireless ad hoc service that allows you to exchange photographs, videos, websites, locations, and other files with nearby iOS, iPadOS, or macOS devices.
Prior to iOS 16.1.1, users could enable the option to share content with anyone for an infinite amount of time. They have, however, restricted it to 10 minutes following the upgrade.
Reports of divided opinions over AirDrop reverting to contacts only option
The iOS 16.2 AirDrop update, which will revert to ‘Contacts Only,’ has received divided opinions.
“That’s stupid. needs to change back. miss being able to just airdrop things to my other devices straight away, and always taking that chance of some random person airdropping me random stuff was pretty fun,” wrote one user.
Another person had a different view. “It makes sense though. How often do you ever receive airdrops from people who aren’t in your contacts anyway?” they wrote.
@apple @tim_cook Adding the choice of 10 minutes would be a fantastic idea. Replacing the choice of the user who may want Everyone all of the time is a terrible idea. You claim to empower users but here is another example of you taking away choice.
— Mark Rouleau (@EmbraceNext) December 8, 2022
“Why would anyone want it on all the time? I never found a reason to have it on for everyone,” a user said.
The update was initially made available to Chinese users
This adjustment was first made available to Chinese users with iOS 16.1.1. Apple, on the other hand, intends to provide it to all iPhones worldwide in the days ahead with iOS 16.2.
Furthermore, people who have already obtained it via the iOS 16.2 beta have expressed varied feelings about it. Although some users enjoy it, others want the prior options restored or a separate option for ‘Everyone.’
This indicates that once the version is out, iPhone users will no longer be eligible to receive AirDrops from outsiders. Those who have already received this upgrade via the iOS 16.2 beta are sharing their thoughts.
While some are pleased with the move, others want the prior options restored or, at the very least, a different option that maintains the ‘Everyone’ option turned on eternally.
