How Apple may restrict specific iPhone features based on user’s location – Times of India

Apple allows users to access their iPhones and iPads anywhere around the world. However, some iOS features are available only in specific markets. At times, these restrictions are placed to adhere to local regulations. For example, iPhone’s built-in video calling platform, FaceTime doesn’t work in countries like the UAE. According to a report by 9to5Mac, Apple is working on a new system that will restrict features based on the user’s location. The report notes that this feature is hidden in iOS 16 and is currently being tested by the company.
How Apple restricts features using geo-location
The Cupertino-based tech giant currently uses hard-coding techniques to restrict iOS features in specific locations. So, most of these restrictions depend upon the region of a device. Apple either accesses users’ software settings or determines where that hardware comes from to place these restrictions. As per the report, Apple is now developing a new way to determine the precise location of a user.
The report mentions that Apple silently added the latest system (which is internally called “countryd”) with iOS 16.2. However, the company has not started actively using this feature for anything, the report adds.
How the new system works
For this new system, Apple combines multiple data like current GPS location, country code from the Wi-Fi router, and SIM card information to determine the user’s location. This new system will make it harder for users to bypass these restrictions.
However, this system will make it easier for devices to automatically ignore the restricted features when users travel to another region. The report claims that this system is designed to set restrictions determined by government regulators.
Apple may soon allow sideloading on iOS
Sideloading lets users install third-party apps from alternative platforms other than the official one like the App Store. Due to the pressure from the EU, rumours suggest that Apple may be planning to allow sideloading on iOS for the first time.
According to a report by Mark Gurman, the feature won’t be available anywhere other than Europe. With the “countryd” system, Apple will easily determine if the device is being used in an EU country to allow sideloading.
Apple will also be able to update the system to enable this feature in other regions if governments of other countries also force the company to allow sideloading. However, bypassing sideloading in other regions will not be as simple. For example, if a user changes the system settings after buying an iPhone in Europe to use in the US, Apple won’t allow sideloading.
The sideloading feature is likely to arrive for iPhones with iOS 17 which may roll out at WWDC 2023 which is set to begin on June 5. With iOS 16.2, Apple also reportedly started working on a new “Custom Accessibility Mode” for iPhone which is also rumoured to be announced officially with iOS 17.