Apple Adds Dedicated Toggle to Fix iPhone 11 Location Privacy Concern
Apple releases a new toggle in the iOS 13.3.1 beta that allows users to completely disable the iPhone 11's ultra-wideband chip to prevent background location tracking.
Apple introduces a new privacy toggle in the latest iOS 13.3.1 beta to address concerns about the iPhone 11 tracking location data even when Location Services are turned off. The issue stems from the device's ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, which checks location data to ensure compliance with regional regulations before operating.
After security researchers discover this hidden tracking behavior, Apple initially downplays the issue but later explains that the UWB management happens entirely on the device. To ease user concerns, the company promises a dedicated switch to give people full control over this system service.
That promised toggle now appears in the second iOS 13.3.1 beta under Privacy > Location Services > System Services as "Networking & Wireless." Disabling this feature stops the UWB chip from checking location data, though Apple warns that turning it off may affect Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Ultra Wideband performance.