Apple’s latest iOS 17 update introduces a new feature called “Bringing Devices Together”, which allows iPhone users to easily share contacts, photos, and other content just by holding two devices close together. Here is a detailed guide explaining what this feature is, how it works, and how to enable or disable it.
What is Bringing Devices Together?
The Bringing Devices Together feature, also known by its marketing name “NameDrop”, uses near field communication (NFC) and ultra wideband (UWB) technology to detect when two compatible devices are in close proximity. When this happens, a prompt will appear allowing the users to consent to sharing contacts, photos, or other data between the two devices.
This feature builds upon iOS’s existing AirDrop file sharing capabilities. However, rather than manually initiating AirDrop, Bringing Devices Together allows sharing to be initiated just by bringing the devices close together. The user still has to consent before any data is actually transferred.
What Does Bringing Devices Together Do?
When two compatible devices are brought within inches of each other, they will detect each other’s presence and display prompts allowing the users to share content. For example, you can hold your iPhone near a friend’s iPhone to share contact info or photos.
Specifically, Bringing Devices Together enables the following sharing capabilities:
- NameDrop: Share your contact details, including your customized Contact Poster if you have one set up. You can choose exactly which details to share.
- Proximity Sharing: Quickly share photos, documents, and other files between devices without needing to manually select them in AirDrop.
- Proximity SharePlay: Start a SharePlay session to sync up media viewing, listen to music together, share your screen, and more.
The feature does require user consent on both devices before any sharing occurs. You can simply decline if you don’t want to share your info or content.
How to Enable Bringing Devices Together
Bringing Devices Together is enabled by default when you install iOS 17 on your iPhone. But if you want to manually enable it, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “General.”
- Tap on “AirDrop.”
- Turn on the switch next to “Bringing Devices Together.”
Once enabled, you will be able to start sharing content simply by bringing two compatible devices close together.
How to Disable Bringing Devices Together
If you want to turn off Bringing Devices Together, either for privacy reasons or to prevent accidental sharing, you can disable the feature in your Settings:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap on “General”.
- Tap on “AirDrop”.
- Turn off the switch next to “Bringing Devices Together.”
With the feature disabled, your iPhone will not initiate any sharing when you bring it near another device. You can always re-enable it later if you want to use Bringing Devices Together.
Compatible Devices
Bringing Devices Together is available on iPhone models running iOS 17 or later. This includes:
- iPhone 15/15 Plus/15 Pro/15 Pro Max
- iPhone 14/14 Plus/14 Pro/14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13/13 Mini/13 Pro/13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12/12 Mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max
- iPhone XR/XS/XS Max
- iPhone SE 2
The feature also works between iOS 17 iPhones and Apple Watches running watchOS 10 or later.
Older iPhone models not compatible with iOS 17 will not be able to use Bringing Devices Together. Both devices need to have the feature enabled and be running compatible software.
Conclusion
Bringing Devices Together makes it easier and more seamless to quickly share content between Apple devices. While convenient, it does introduce potential privacy concerns, so disabling the feature is easy if desired. Overall, it provides users more control and options when sharing data between their Apple gadgets.
