AirDrop: Apple plans PIN-based file exchange for 30 days in iOS 26.2
Apple is expanding its AirDrop feature, which enables wireless file exchange between devices. In the future, there will likely be one-time codes for 30 days.
(Image: Sebastian Trepesch/Mac & i)
Apple is apparently planning a new way to initiate wireless file exchange between Apple devices using AirDrop. In the third developer beta of iOS 26.2, released on Monday evening, a new entry was discovered in the iPhone settings that describes the generation of one-time codes. After entering such a PIN, the devices of the sender and receiver should be able to find each other for 30 days to exchange files.
Currently, it is set on the recipient's side whether and from whom a device accepts AirDrop transfers. Optionally, reception can be completely switched off or limited to known contacts. Furthermore, it is possible to allow AirDrop for everyone – but only for 10 minutes. Until three years ago, it was still possible to allow reception for everyone indefinitely. Apple changed this option after more and more cases became known in which, for example, women received suggestive photos from strangers in this way. The new option goes beyond this with up to 30 days and saves users from having to add each other as contacts first. This is useful for temporary collaboration, for example.
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Currently, code generation is not yet possible
First indications that something might be happening with AirDrop were discovered in Beta 1. Now, in Beta 3, the new function is taking shape. Nevertheless, it is currently not yet possible to generate the one-time codes. Apple has first introduced a new section in the settings where known AirDrop contacts can be managed. It also explains how the procedure works.
The final version of iOS 26.2 is expected for early to mid-December. This would correspond to the usual Apple release cycle. Of course, it is still possible that Apple will postpone the integration of the new function at short notice. With the current beta release, the option to exchange the Siri assignment on the iPhone's side button has also been introduced for Japan.
What else iOS 26.2 contains
iOS 26.2 mainly contains minor improvements to the iPhone operating system. The new sleep score is being revised and distinguishes different grades much more finely. In the Podcasts app, Apple is introducing the ability for chapter markers to be automatically generated by the app if the podcasters do not provide them. The next major update 2 is also preparing the release of AirPods live translation for the European Union.
(mki)
