Apple has limited its AirDrop feature in China, here’s why

Apple has released iOS 16.1.1 for iPhone users all over the world. While the latest version of iOS does not bring any major changes, there is a major change coming for iPhone users in China. With iOS 16.1.1, Apple is changing how AirDrop works for users in China.

The update introduces a 10-minute time limit for the “Everyone” option in AirDrop for iPhones purchased in mainland China, as per multiple users on Weibo. So, users in China now can’t keep AirDrop active for an unlimited time for everyone, and they will have no more than 10 minutes to complete the transfer once enabled. After 10 minutes, the AirDrop will revert to “Contacts Only.”

Though the change comes only for iPhone users in mainland China, as the restriction is based on hardware rather than software.