New iPhone Update: Is it Really a Security Risk to Montanans?

You may have heard people talking about the new iPhone (iOS) 17.1 update, and how it could potentially put iPhone users at risk. Law Enforcement agencies in Montana and across the country have sent out warnings about the update. Here's what you need to know about it.

The latest iPhone (iOS) 17.1 update reportedly automatically turns on a setting called "NameDrop", which allows iPhone and Apple Watch users to share contacts with nearby devices. The devices need to be within an inch of each other.

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Billings Police Department Sends Warning to iPhone Users in Montana

The following information was shared on the Billings Police Department Facebook page on Monday.

For those of you with iPhones that recently installed the update (IOS 17) please be aware that this update automatically turns on a setting called bringing devices together. This feature allows information like your phone number, photos, and other information to be shared by just holding your phone close to another iPhone. You can disable this feature by going into settings, general, airdrop, and then switching it off. We want everyone to be safe with their information so please take a look at this for yourselves and your children and determine what is best for you. Thank you.

Lt. Lennick

Residents in several other states were also warned about the new iOS update and were urged to deactivate the feature.

Is the New iPhone Update Really a Security Risk to Montana Residents?

According to an article published by Forbes, the feature only works between two iPhones when they are unlocked, and the top ends of each phone need to be placed together. In addition, users have to tap “share” or “receive” on their phones to send email addresses and phone numbers to each other.

So, people won't really be able to access the information on your iPhone unless you give them permission. If you are concerned about the feature, you can always turn it off. Thankfully, the NameDrop feature isn't as scary as it was made out to be.