Apple might have just dropped iOS 26.2.1 this week, but iPhone owners already have their eyes on the horizon for the tech giant’s next substantial update: iOS 26.3. From new wallpapers to notification settings, the next round of software doesn’t look too particularly exciting save for one sparkle in the rough — limit precise location.
Already available in the third beta, Apple said that the setting is for users to “limit some information that cellular networks may use to determine your location,” as long as you have a compatible iPhone or iPad model and a supported carrier. But what exactly does that mean, and who are the lucky customers who get to take advantage of this new privacy perk?
- Brand
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Apple
- SoC
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A19 Pro 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU
- Display
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6.5-inch 2736 x 1260 pixel resolution Super Retina XDR display
- RAM
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N/A
What does ‘limit precise location’ do?
Limits information for cellular networks
Limit precise location does exactly what it sounds like: limits your precise location, specifically for cellular networks. These networks can pinpoint your location (almost exactly, in some cases) based on which cell towers your phone or tablet connects to, ultimately creating a spiderweb with your device at the center. Considering you’re usually connected to your device, that means it’s your location, too.
But if you choose to enable ‘limit precise location,’ not all that information will be shared with those networks. According to Apple, because the networks don’t have all the data to paint a precise picture of your location, they won’t be able to determine where exactly you are on the map:
With this setting turned on, some information made available to cellular networks is limited. As a result, they might be able to determine only a less precise location — for example, the neighborhood where your device is located, rather than a more precise location (such as a street address).
Privacy sounds great, but signal interference doesn’t. Luckily, Apple ensures that enabling the setting won’t impact signal quality or your experience at all. It also doesn’t affect the data you need to use to share your location with loved ones on Find My or what’s shared with emergency responders if you make an emergency call.
Which devices and carriers are included?
Here’s the catch
The user group this feature will be available to is small. Only the following devices running iOS 26.3 will support limit precise location:
Why these devices only? Right now, the feature is exclusive to devices with an Apple C-series modem, which means the C1X inside the iPad Pro and iPhone Air), and the C1 (inside the iPhone 16e). But you’ll also need one of the carriers below:
- Germany: Telekom
- United Kingdom: EE, BT
- United States: Boost Mobile
- Thailand: AIS, True
If you have both a compatible device and a supported carrier, you’ve won the privacy lottery. Hopefully, future iPhone and iPad models will sport C-series chips of their own, so this feature makes its way into the mainstream — as long as more popular carriers become compatible, that is.
If you have the third iOS 26.3 beta and a compatible combo, here’s how to turn limit precise location on and off:
- Open Settings > then tap Cellular.
- Choose Cellular Data Options. If you have more than one phone number under SIMs, tap one of your lines.
- Scroll down to Limit Precise Location.
- Turn the setting on or off. You might have to restart your device.
