Apple iPhone will soon be able to prevent location tracking via certain carriers, but only with Apple modem

The Apple iPhone is expected to receive the update to iOS 26.3 in the next few hours. The update introduces a number of significant new features, ranging from the option to transfer data from an iPhone to an Android smartphone to the ability to finally forward notifications to third-party smartwatches. In a support document, Apple reveals another new feature designed primarily to protect privacy.

The feature, which Apple calls "Limit Precise Location", is designed to prevent network operators from using cell towers and signal strength to pinpoint the exact location of an iPhone. According to Apple, iPhones with this feature enabled provide less data to cell towers. Network operators will no longer be able to determine the exact location; instead, they will only be able to see the area in which the user is located. Apple emphasizes that the feature has no impact on signal strength or the accuracy of location data in navigation apps, as the latter use GPS rather than cell towers for precise location tracking.

However, several limitations apply. Firstly, the feature must be manually activated after installing iOS 26.3 under Settings --> Cellular --> Data Options. Secondly, this function is only available with select network providers; in the US, "Limit precise location" is only available with Boost Mobile. In the UK, this applies to EE and BT only. Lastly, this feature is only supported by devices with an Apple C1 or C1X modem, i.e., the iPhone 16e, the iPhone Air and the iPad Pro with Apple M5.