Is there a time limit for AirDrop transfers from non-contacts?

iOS 16.1.1’s time restriction for receiving AirDrop transfers from non-contacts will arrive to all users globally in 2023, Apple has confirmed. What’s happening? In China, iOS 16.1.1 imposes a ten-minute limit for receiving AirDrops from non-contacts. In 2023, this change will affect all users globally. Why care?

What is airdrop & how do I use it?

Initially available with OS X Lion (10.7) for Mac to Mac transfers, AirDrop was later made available for mobile devices starting on iOS 7. AirDrop is, perhaps, one of the most underused features in the Apple ecosystem, but it is a great resource for Apple users. Let’s take a look at how to use it.

When will airdrop work in China?

Bloomberg notes that Apple will bring this change to all users globally sometime in 2023. Apple has not officially commented on why it restricts AirDrop file transfers from people not saved in Contacts to 10 minutes for its customers in China. AirDrop isn’t always used for legitimate file-sharing.

What happens if I Turn Off airdrop?

Receiving Off: You won't receive AirDrop requests. Contacts Only: Only your contacts can see your device. Everyone: All nearby Apple devices using AirDrop can see your device. When you set your AirDrop option to Everyone in iOS 16.2 or later, your option reverts to Contacts Only after 10 minutes.