Apple in recent weeks has suffered a severe scandal regarding privacy. Specifically we talked about the bug that was reported in which we saw how the iPhone could continue to track our location although we had chosen not to be so. This has finally been fixed and finally we can prevent an iPhone from tracking our location.
The scandal that arose a few weeks ago was basically based on Apple’s services tracking our location even though we had them disabled. The answer given by the company is that the U1 chip of the iPhone requires knowing the location of the device at all times. The legislation is quite strict in this regard and it is that in some countries the use of ultra broadband network is not approved and that is why it must be deactivated in some locations.
iOS 13.3.1 now allows to disable the U1 chip
Faced with this scandal , Apple has allowed iOS 13.3.1 to deactivate the U1 ultra-broadband chip . In this way, the iPhone will not track our location permanently, but obviously we must sacrifice ultra-broadband networks.
In order to disable this U1 chip, you must first have the iOS version 13.3.1 installed . Once you have installed this software update, you must follow the following steps:
- On the iPhone go to Settings> Privacy.
- Go down at the end of this window and click on ‘Location Services’
- Disable the option ‘Network connection and wireless networks’.
Once we deactivate this option, we must give our confirmation. In the dialog that arises, we are explained that deactivating this option may end up affecting the performance of bluetooth, WiFi and also obviously ultra-broadband technology.
Obviously deactivating the U1 chip will have some consequences both in the short and long term. We must remember that this hardware is directly related to the future AirTag that Apple plans to present. In addition, it will also affect the way you send files via AirDrop between two iPhone. With this chip we can send documents through AirDrop simply pointing the iPhone to another mobile device. We must think if we want to lose these functions in exchange for improving our privacy, although we must remember that from Apple they guarantee that this information is not stored on the company’s servers.
No doubt we are glad to know that Apple listens to users and responds quickly to the scandals that may arise in the company. You just have to see how quickly they have given a solution through a software update to this problem that began to emerge in various forums.
And you, are you going to disable the U1 chip?