iOS 26.3 Lets You Limit Collection of Location Data from Cell Towers – Here’s How to Enable It

Apple is offering users a way to limit cell networks from collecting precise location data in iOS 26.3.

iOS 26.3, currently in beta testing, adds a cellular data option called “Limit Precise Location.”

According to a support document published by Apple last week, switching it on will limit data collection that cellular networks use to see your exact location.

Limit precise location from cellular networks

“Cellular networks can determine your location based on which cell towers your device connects to,” according to the tech titan. “The limit precise location setting enhances your location privacy by reducing the precision of location data available to cellular networks.”

“With this setting turned on, some information made available to cellular networks is limited,” the support doc explains. “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).”

Apple assures customers that the setting will not impact signal quality or user experience.

Location Services will work the same

The Cupertino tech giant clarifies that the Limit Precise Location setting does not impact the precision of the location data shared with emergency responders during an emergency call, nor does it affect the location data shared with apps through Location Services.

“This setting affects only the location data available to cellular networks,” the company says.

How to enable ‘Limit Precise Location’ on iOS

First off, make sure you meet the system requirements. According to Apple, as of now, the feature only works on iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular.

You’ll need iOS 26.3 (or newer) and a supported carrier:

Germany: Telekom

United Kingdom: EE, BT

United States: Boost Mobile

Thailand: AIS, True

To turn Limit Precise Location on or off:

1.     Open Settings, then tap Cellular.

2.     Tap Cellular Data Options. If you have more than one phone number under SIMs, tap one of your lines.

3.     Scroll down to Limit Precise Location.

4.     Turn the setting on or off. You might be prompted to restart your device.

iOS 26.3 release date

Many users will be delighted to know that Apple is offering ways to limit cell networks from collecting precise location data. Those privacy-wary users will also be eager to deploy iOS 26.3.

While there is no exact launch date for this upcoming software update, developers were offered a third beta of the software last week. This typically means that the final (public) version is close to launch – perhaps days away.

iOS 26.4 is not far off either

Apple is also on track to release iOS 26.4 soon, featuring a Gemini-powered Siri.

As we reported last month, in a rare show of cooperation between two of tech’s fiercest rivals, Apple and Google jointly announced a multi-year partnership that will see Gemini will power the next generation of Siri.

The two tech giants promised commitment to user privacy amid industry concern over data practices.

The Bitdefender 2025 Consumer Cybersecurity Survey, based on responses from more than 7,000 consumers in seven countries, highlights consumers’ trust (or lack of trust) in Big Tech with their data and security.

Our survey shows that household tech brands still hold the edge in perceived trustworthiness compared to newcomers in AI or data-driven services.

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Apple Taps Google’s Gemini to Power Siri, Says Privacy Remains a Priority

Why Don’t You Use a Mobile Security App? We Ask Netizens

Italy Fines Apple $116 Million over Consumer Privacy Rules