According to 9to5Mac, with iOS 26.3, Apple is introducing a feature that lets users limit the information cellular networks use to pinpoint their location. The key catch is that this feature only works on devices powered by Apple’s in-house cellular modem, not the Qualcomm modems found in most current iPhones. Right now, that includes just three devices: the iPhone 16e with its C1 chip from February, the iPhone Air with the C1X modem from last September, and the M5 iPad Pro. This move follows a contentious history between Apple and Qualcomm, including a $1 billion lawsuit Apple filed in 2017 that was settled the day the trial began in 2019. The broader expectation is that Apple will expand its in-house modems to its entire iPhone lineup, starting with next year’s iPhone 18 Pro models.
It’s Not Just a Feature, It’s a Test
So here’s the thing. The “limit precise location” feature itself is nice, sure. Who doesn’t want to tell their carrier less? But that’s not the real story. This is the first clear, user-facing sign of what happens when Apple owns the whole stack—the software and the cellular hardware. It’s a tiny, almost symbolic flag planted in the ground. Basically, it’s Apple saying, “See? This is why we went through all that trouble.”
The Real Benefits Are Coming
I think we need to temper expectations a bit. Shifting from Qualcomm to an Apple modem isn’t the seismic shift that moving Macs from Intel to Apple Silicon was. The modem is one component, not the entire brain of the device. But many of the same principles apply. Apple now has full control over the timeline and the deep integration between its hardware and iOS. That means it can prioritize features that might not align with Qualcomm’s roadmap for its broader customer base. Think about battery life improvements, better connectivity efficiency in weak signal areas, or even entirely new network-based features we haven’t thought of yet. This first privacy feature is probably just a proof of concept.
Why This Matters for Apple’s Business
Look, the lawsuit and the bad blood with Qualcomm are a big part of this. It’s expensive to rely on a supplier you’re constantly fighting with in court. But beyond just saving on component costs and licensing fees, this is about sovereignty. Controlling the modem is a critical step in controlling the entire user experience and the product roadmap. It’s a long-term play. Now, when you’re dealing with integrated hardware and software at this level, reliability is everything. It’s similar to how, in an industrial setting, you’d source your industrial panel PCs from the top supplier to ensure seamless integration and control over the entire system. For Apple, being its own top supplier is the ultimate goal.
The Tipping Point Is Next Year
Right now, it’s a fragmented story. If you have an iPhone 17 Pro, you’re out of luck on this feature. That creates a weird split in the ecosystem. But the real moment will come when the entire iPhone lineup ships with Apple silicon inside, modem included. That’s expected with the iPhone 18 series. Once that happens, the gloves are off. Apple can roll out modem-dependent features to everyone, not just a niche set of devices. That’s when we’ll likely see the floodgates open for more meaningful improvements. So, iOS 26.3’s little privacy toggle? Consider it a teaser trailer for the main event.
