Imagine a world where sharing files via AirDrop is as secure as locking your phone with a PIN. That’s exactly what Apple might be cooking up, and it’s already sparking curiosity among tech enthusiasts. Just a day after rolling out iOS 26.1, Apple has quietly dropped the first beta of iOS 26.2 for developers, and hidden within its code is a tantalizing hint: a new AirDrop feature designed to beef up privacy and security. But here’s where it gets controversial—will this added layer of protection make AirDrop too cumbersome for everyday use, or is it the game-changer we’ve been waiting for?
According to code sleuths at Macworld, Apple is reportedly working on a ‘PIN Pairing’ system for AirDrop. This would require users to enter a unique PIN before sending files, effectively preventing unwanted or accidental transfers. Think of it like Bluetooth pairing or AirPlay authentication, but for AirDrop. The receiving device would display a numeric code, and the sender would need to confirm it before the connection is established. This could be a game-changer for public spaces, where AirDrop’s current settings—‘Contacts Only,’ ‘Everyone for 10 Minutes,’ or ‘Receiving Off’—often fall short in ensuring privacy.
And this is the part most people miss: this isn’t Apple’s first attempt to enhance AirDrop’s security. In iOS 26.1, references to ‘AirDropPrivacyImprovements’ were discovered, suggesting a broader effort to address long-standing concerns about the feature’s vulnerability in crowded areas. By adding PIN pairing, Apple could be taking a significant step toward making AirDrop safer and more user-friendly, especially for those wary of unintended file shares.
But let’s pause for a moment—is this feature overkill, or a necessary evolution? While the idea of a PIN sounds great on paper, it could introduce friction into a process that’s meant to be seamless. Will users embrace the extra step, or will it deter them from using AirDrop altogether? That’s a question worth debating.
For now, the PIN Pairing feature remains hidden in the beta and can’t be enabled, leaving us to speculate about its final implementation. Apple often tests features internally for several beta cycles before unveiling them to the public, so it’s anyone’s guess when—or even if—this will see the light of day. The iOS 26.2 beta is currently exclusive to developers, with a public beta expected later this week, and a full release likely in December.
As we await more details, one thing is clear: Apple is doubling down on privacy, and AirDrop is next in line for an upgrade. But the real question is—will this make AirDrop more secure, or just more complicated? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Could this be the future of file sharing, or is Apple overcomplicating a simple tool?
Author: Filipe Espósito, a Brazilian tech journalist with over a decade of experience, is known for his exclusive scoops on Apple’s plans, including the titanium Apple Watch. Formerly of 9to5Mac, he also co-hosts the popular Brazilian tech podcast ‘A Fonte.’ His insights into Apple’s latest moves are always worth following.
