Apple adds motion data restriction in iOS 27.2 Beta 2 for China users, blocking shake-to-open ads
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According to a report by Interface News cited by Cailianshe, Apple has quietly added a new setting called 'Restrict Motion Data' in the latest iOS 27.2 Beta 2 test version, specifically targeting users in China. The feature, located under Settings > Privacy & Security > Motion & Fitness, allows users to manually select which apps are restricted from accessing motion sensor data such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. This effectively blocks the trigger mechanism for 'shake-to-open' splash screen ads at the system level. Journalists testing the beta found that the option only appears when logged into a Chinese Apple ID, and switching back to a foreign ID disables the feature and removes the restriction list. The report notes that this is a China-specific user experience protection measure tied to the account, not the device.
Source report
September 23 — A growing number of iPhone users have reported that Apple has quietly added a new setting called "Restrict Motion Data" in the latest iOS 27.2 Beta 2 update, specifically targeting users in China.
Located under Settings > Privacy & Security > Motion & Fitness, the feature allows users to manually select which apps are restricted from accessing motion sensor data, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes. By cutting off access at the system level, the setting effectively blocks the trigger mechanism behind "shake-to-open" splash screen ads.
Key Findings from Hands-On Testing
- After upgrading to iOS 27.2 Beta 2, users must log in with a Chinese Apple ID to see the "Restrict Motion Data" option in Settings and enable the feature.
- Once enabled, switching back to a non-Chinese Apple ID causes the feature to become inactive.
- Any app restriction list previously set under a Chinese account will also disappear when the account is changed.
This indicates that the feature is account-bound rather than device-bound, making it a China-specific user experience protection measure tailored by Apple for the local market.
(Source: Jiemian News)
Source
财联社Neutral / independent
Part of this Story
Apple adds China-specific motion data restriction in iOS beta to block shake-to-open ads