Law Enforcement Agencies Warn iPhone Users to Be Cautious with New iOS 17 Update
Some law enforcement agencies are urging iPhone users to use caution following the release of the new iOS 17 update. The Middletown Division of Police in Ohio and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan have issued warnings about a new feature called “NameDrop” included in the update.
NameDrop allows users to easily share their contact information with another iPhone or Apple Watch by holding the devices very close together. After the devices connect, users can choose to share their info or receive the other person’s contact information. Apple has stated that the feature only works for sending new information, not for updating a contact that is already in the phone.
In response to the new feature, the Middletown Division of Police and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office are encouraging parents to change the settings on their children’s phones in order to keep them safe. The warning comes as NameDrop is turned on by default with the new update, and the sheriff’s office noted that many people do not check their settings and realize how their phone works.
For those who want to turn off the feature, they can go to “Settings,” tap “General,” and then click “AirDrop.” From there, the “Bringing Devices Together” option can be toggled off.
The release of the new iOS 17 update has sparked concerns from law enforcement agencies about the potential risks associated with the NameDrop feature. As iPhone users adjust to the update, they are being urged to take steps to ensure their safety and the security of their personal information.