iOS 16.2 AirDrop update to revert to 'Contacts Only' after 10 minutes dividing opinion among iPhone users

AirDrop is Apple’s proprietary wireless ad hoc service that lets you share photos, videos, website, locations, and more with nearby devices running iOS, iPadOS, or macOS.

Before iOS 16.1.1, Apple allowed users to turn on the option to share content with everyone for indefinite period of time. However, they’ve limited it to 10 minutes after the update.

This change initially began rolling out for users in China after it was reported that Chinese protesters are using AirDrop to share protest information and instructions on how to download VPNs to bypass the country’s censors.

If you turn on ‘Everyone for 10 minutes’ option, iOS automatically revert AirDrop’s settings from everyone to ‘Contacts only’ after 10 minutes.

This change was initially introduced with iOS 16.1.1 for users in China. However, Apple plans to bring it to all the iPhones globally in the coming days with iOS 16.2.

Furthermore, it has received a mixed reaction from users who already got it via iOS 16.2 beta. While some users like it, others say they want the previous settings back or a separate option for ‘Everyone’ as well.

that’s stupid. needs to change back. miss being able to just airdrop things to my other devices straight away, and always taking that change of some random person airdropping me random stuff was pretty fun. (Source)

It makes sense though. How often do you ever receive airdrops from people who aren’t in your contacts anyway (Source)

Why would anyone want it on all the time? I never found a reason to have it on for everyone. (Source)

This means that once the update is released, iPhone users will no longer receive AirDrops from random people. And those who already got this change through iOS 16.2 beta are coming up with their opinion on it.

While some are satisfied with the change, other say they want the previous settings back or at least a separate option that keeps ‘Everyone’ option turned on indefinitely.

You can also share your thoughts on this change in the comments box below. That said, we will follow up on the latest development and update this article as and when we come across anything noteworthy.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Apple section, so be sure to follow them as well.

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