Apple introduced a carrier-level privacy feature this week that limits how precisely mobile networks can track iPhone and iPad users. The "Limit Precise Location" setting in iOS 26.3 reduces location data shared with cellular carriers from street-address accuracy to neighborhood-level precision.
The feature works by restricting technical details carriers use to pinpoint devices through cell tower connections. Instead of exact addresses, networks see only broader geographic areas like neighborhoods or general city zones. Apple confirmed emergency responders still receive full-precision location data during 911 calls, and app-based Location Services remain unaffected.
Only iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular models support the privacy enhancement. The feature requires Apple's C1 or C1X modems, which are currently only available in these models. Compatibility with future iPhone models depends on whether they include Apple's custom modem technology.
Carrier support determines actual availability. Boost Mobile with 7.5 million subscribers currently stands as the only US carrier supporting the feature. Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile have yet to adopt it. International support includes EE and BT in the UK, Telekom in Germany, and AIS and True in Thailand.
Users can enable the setting through Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options. The device restarts after toggling the feature on or off. Apple's support documentation notes the change helps protect users from unnecessary tracking without affecting network performance or connectivity.
The rollout follows 2024 FCC fines totaling nearly $200 million against major US carriers for illegally selling customer location data to third parties. Security researchers have long warned about telecom networks collecting sensitive location information that could be compromised by hackers or used for surveillance.
Apple launched its first in-house C1 modem in 2025. Qualcomm expects its share of Apple modem business to drop to 20% by 2026, with its licensing agreement with Apple continuing until at least 2027. This transition will expand carrier-level privacy protections to more devices as Apple's licensing agreement with Qualcomm expires.
The feature represents Apple's first consumer device solution for limiting carrier location tracking. It addresses a privacy gap where users previously had control over app location permissions but not carrier data collection. Industry analysts expect the move to pressure more mobile operators to support similar protections, similar to how Apple continues to innovate with devices like the iPhone Fold.
