Apple's upcoming iOS 18.2 update, set for release in December 2024, will introduce significant upgrades, including new privacy features and the ability to change default messaging and phone apps.

A notable enhancement in this update is the modification of a hidden location tracking feature, allowing users to manage location data sharing for photos more effectively.

Users can now disable location sharing on a per-app basis in the Photo settings under Privacy & Security, significantly enhancing privacy when sharing images.

This update reflects Apple's delayed response to user concerns about privacy options regarding location data in shared images, raising awareness about data security.

Experts emphasize that photo metadata can reveal personal information, including location, which poses privacy risks for users when sharing images.

For immediate privacy, users are advised to utilize apps like WhatsApp that strip metadata or to screenshot images before sharing, despite potential quality loss.

This update is influenced by regulatory pressures, particularly from the European Union, which has also prompted other changes like the adoption of USB-C charging for the iPhone 15 series.

The new privacy feature will be accessible through the Settings app, enabling users to personalize their app preferences more extensively.

While not all apps will initially support the new location-sharing feature, most popular image-sharing apps are expected to offer the necessary toggles as they update for iOS 18.2.

In addition to Apple's updates, Google is reportedly developing a 'STOP' button in its Messages app to help users opt out of RCS Business Messages, aiming to reduce spam.

Meanwhile, Juniper Research predicts that RCS business messaging traffic will rise to 50 billion messages globally by 2025, a substantial increase from 33 billion in 2024.

However, RCS has faced significant challenges, particularly with spam from unsolicited 'RCS Business Messaging,' leading to concerns about user experience and security.