Tom SykesPosted On 13/12/2022
Apple has revised its AirDrop settings with the release of iOS 16.2 today, scrapping the previous “Everyone” option that allowed users to constantly receive new incoming AirDrop requests from anyone, and replacing it with an“Everyone for 10 Minutes” settingwhich aims to tackle spam by limiting the duration that users are able to AirDrop to devices that are not saved in their Contacts.
With the “Everyone for 10 Minutes” setting enabled, users will receive AirDrop requests from any device for up to 10 minutes. After 10 minutes has been reached, AirDrop will automatically default to the “Contacts Only” option, with users having to manually switch back to “Everyone for 10 Minutes” if they wish to continue to receive AirDrop requests from devices not saved as a contact for a further 10 minutes.
AirDrop now offers three settings for users: Receiving Off, Contacts Only, and Everyone for 10 Minutes. There is no longer a way to permanently leave AirDrop on. Users must open the Settings app and change their AirDrop settings manually to receive AirDrop requests from devices that are not saved in their Contacts.
Originally, Apple intended to release the new AirDrop setting only to users in China, reportedly following a government request in the country after anti-government material was spread by protesters using AirDrop in crowded spaces, although following criticism, Apple has decided to launch the feature to all users, regardless of their country or region.
