The recently launched iOS 18.4 software update for iPhone users comes packed with exciting new features, such as Priority Notifications, a fresh set of emoji, and the innovative Sketch in Image Playgrounds. However, alongside these headline features, there are also some significant yet under-the-radar changes that users should be aware of.
One of the notable new additions in iOS 18.4 is a setting found within Location Services called ‘Improve Location Accuracy’. As reported by Mysk, this feature may have been activated by default for some users, including myself. To locate this new setting, navigate to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Location Services -> System Services, and scroll down to the ‘Product Improvement’ section.
The ‘Improve Location Accuracy’ toggle joins other existing options like iPhone Analytics, Routing & Traffic, and Improve Maps. According to Apple’s documentation, enabling this option allows your iPhone to periodically send geo-tagged locations of nearby Wi-Fi hotspots and mobile phone masts to Apple in an anonymous and encrypted manner. This data is intended to enhance a crowd-sourced database of Wi-Fi hotspot and mobile phone mast locations.
This feature seems to play a critical role in the assisted GPS system, which combines readings from GPS satellites with data from known nearby Wi-Fi networks and cell towers. This integration allows your device to resolve a precise location more quickly. Importantly, turning off the ‘Improve Location Accuracy’ toggle does not hinder your device's ability to benefit from this crowd-sourced database. Instead, it provides users with an option to opt-out of contributing to it.
It remains unclear whether this functionality was previously part of another setting or if it has now been explicitly separated into its own toggle. It's possible that your device has always collected this data in the background, and this update simply gives users a clear choice to opt-out. Apple reassures users that if this setting is enabled, the data is transmitted securely to its servers in an anonymized and encrypted format, alleviating any privacy concerns.
The introduction of the ‘Improve Location Accuracy’ feature in iOS 18.4 reflects Apple's ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience while maintaining privacy. As you explore the new features of this update, be sure to review your location settings to ensure they align with your preferences.
