According to Apple, the new feature, when enabled, limits the precision of location data that iPhones and cellular-enabled iPads share with the customer’s cell carrier. Apple said switching on the feature does not affect the precision of location data shared with apps, or shared with first responders during an emergency call. Hackers also frequently target cell carriers for the sensitive data that they collect on their customers. Recent threats aside, long-known vulnerabilities in global cellular networks have allowed surveillance vendors to snoop on the location data of individuals anywhere in the world. “Most people aren’t aware that devices can send location data outside of just apps,” said Miller.