Apple limits AirDrop function on iPhones due to protests in China
In the latest version of iOS 16.1.1, Apple has limited the operation of AirDrop for quick sharing of files: images, documents or videos.
Details
So far, the restrictions have been introduced only in China. Normally, AirDrop allows you to completely prohibit receiving files, allow receiving from users in your contact list, and allow receiving from all users. The latter option was actively used in China to distribute posters against the government.
Now, the time in which users can receive files from any people has been limited to 10 minutes. After this time, the system returns to the mode when you can receive files only from contacts.
Apple representatives would not comment on why the restrictions were imposed only in China, but noted that "the company plans to introduce a similar regime around the world next year" in order to "prevent the unwanted distribution of files".