How to Disable Location Tracking U1 Chip on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro

Apple faced criticism afterwards a security researcher revealed that the iPhone eleven series requests location data fifty-fifty when a user has specifically set up not exercise so. The Cupertino based company explained that the behavior was due to the new U1 Ultra wideband (UWB) bit. In this article, we will show you how to disable U1 flake on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max to prevent location tracking.

What can iPhone 11's U1 Bit Do?

The U in the U1 chip stands for Ultra WideBand. According to Apple "The new Apple‑designed U1 chip uses Ultra Wideband technology for spatial sensation — assuasive iPhone 11 Pro to understand its precise location relative to other nearby U1‑equipped Apple devices. Information technology's similar adding another sense to the iPhone, and it's going to atomic number 82 to amazing new capabilities."

Apple tree is currently using U1 chip to determine the precise location of another iPhone 11, iPhone eleven Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max, and pops that device to the very top of the AirDrop interface.

Apple has bigger plans for the U1 chip. It is widely rumored that Apple will use the U1 scrap in Tile-like tracking device dubbed AirTags, that's designed to be attached to items like keys and wallets for tracking purposes, letting y'all find them right in the Find My app.

Why Does Apple Need to Track Location for the U1 scrap on iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max?

Before nosotros show you how to disable the U1 ultra Wideband chip, let me offset explain what is the functionality of the new chip, and why information technology is requesting for location data. Apple tree has provided the post-obit explanation on why it needs to rail location for the U1 chip:

Ultra wideband engineering science is an industry standard technology and is subject to international regulatory requirements that require information technology to be turned off in certain locations. iOS uses Location Services to assist determine if iPhone is in these prohibited locations in order to disable ultra wideband and comply with regulations. The management of ultra wideband compliance and its use of location data is done entirely on the device and Apple is non collecting user location data.

How to Disable Location Tracking U1 Bit on iPhone xi, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone eleven Pro Max

Bluntly, I don't call back information technology is an issue as the use of the location data is washed entirely locally on the device, and Apple is non uploading your location data to its server. However, if you withal want to disable the U1 chip and so install iOS 13.3.ane or later as the ability to disable the U1 flake was introduced in iOS thirteen.3.one, and follow the simple steps mentioned below:

1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone 11, iPhone eleven Pro or iPhone xi Pro Max.

2. Scroll down and tap on Privacy.

3. Then navigate to Location Services > System Services (y'all demand to scroll all the manner down to notice it).

iv. Then tap on the toggle next to Networking & Wireless.

5. You lot will get a prompt, tap on Plough Off to turn off location tracking for networking and wireless features.

Spotter the step-past-step video:

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Please note that turning off the U1 chip will also affect Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Ultra Wideband performance. You may also need to keep it enabled when Apple tree launches U1 flake based accessories like AirTags, which according to supply-chain ramp ups suggests will be launched in Q3 this yr.

Let me know how it goes, and if you've whatever questions.