Apple is widening access to its iPhone location privacy tool, bringing tighter control over user data to far more carriers and countries following the rollout of iOS 26.5.
The tech giant’s “Limit Precise Location” feature, first introduced earlier this year, is now rolling out to many more users following the release of iOS 26.5. The feature is designed to reduce the accuracy with which mobile carriers can track a user’s location. Instead of pinpointing a street-level location, carriers may receive only a broader area, such as a neighborhood.
According to Apple, this gives users more control over sensitive location data shared with carriers, limiting precision while still allowing normal network functionality. However, despite the wider software rollout, there’s an important limitation: the feature only works on devices with Apple’s in-house cellular modems, the C1 or C1X.
That means it is currently restricted to select devices such as the iPhone Air, iPhone 17e, iPhone 16e, and the M5 iPad Pro. Apple is expected to broaden support further with next-generation hardware. Reports suggest that upcoming flagship models, such as the iPhone 18 Pro and a rumored iPhone Ultra, will likely include Apple’s next modem, the C2, which should extend compatibility further.
More carriers now supported worldwide
At launch, only a small number of carriers supported the feature. With iOS 26.5, Apple has significantly expanded support, bringing the total to 10 carriers across multiple regions. The updated carrier list includes:
- Austria: A1
- Denmark: YouSee
- Germany: Telekom
- Ireland: Sky
- Thailand: AIS and True
- United Kingdom: EE, BT, and Sky
- United States: Boost Mobile
Apple says the expansion goes beyond just carrier partnerships. Users in the EU and UK can now enable the feature more broadly, even beyond the initial carrier rollout, as long as they are using a supported SIM or eSIM.
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How users can turn it on
Users can enable this setting manually by navigating to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Limit Precise Location. Once activated, the system reduces the precision with which a carrier can determine a user’s physical location.
The expansion of this feature comes as Apple continues to position privacy as a core part of its mobile ecosystem, especially as it moves deeper into AI and connected services. With iOS 27 already on the horizon, Apple is expected to push further privacy-focused updates across Siri, Apple Intelligence, and system-level data controls, while keeping most processing on-device or within its Private Cloud Compute system.
For more on Apple’s latest software changes, read our breakdown of iOS 26.5 updates to RCS messaging, Apple Maps, wallpapers, and older-device security.
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