New iPhone Setting Lets Users Shake Off Motion-Sensing Ads
Apple is testing a new iOS setting in China that allows users to block specific apps from accessing device motion sensors. This feature aims to prevent unwanted 'shake-to-open' advertisements that trigger when the phone is moved. The option is currently limited to mainland China App Store accounts and may not be available globally.
- ▪Apple is testing a 'Restrict Motion Data' setting in the iOS 27.2 beta for users in China.
- ▪The setting allows users to add apps to a blacklist that prevents them from accessing accelerometer and gyroscope data.
- ▪Chinese apps frequently use motion sensors to trigger 'shake-to-open' ads that can be activated by simple movements like walking.
- ▪The feature is currently tied to mainland China App Store accounts and is not expected to be released broadly.
- ▪Apple has not explicitly stated the purpose of the setting, but users speculate it addresses the issue of unwanted ad redirects.
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| Canonical URL | https://www.macrumors.com/2026/09/23/iphone-setting-shake-off-motion-sensing-ads/ |
| Publication time | Wed, 23 Sep 2026 11:50:04 +0000 |
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New iPhone Setting Lets Users Shake Off Motion-Sensing AdsWednesday September 23, 2026 4:49 am PDT by Tim HardwickApple is testing an iPhone setting for users in China that lets them add apps to a list that prevents them from accessing the device's motion sensors. Apple hasn't explicitly said what the setting is for, but Chinese apps sometimes show "shake-to-open" ads on launch, and they can be triggered by merely picking up an iPhone, walking, or going over a bump in a car, resulting in unwanted redirects. Users in China speculate this is why iOS 27.2 beta 2 includes a new "Restrict Motion Data" app blacklist in Settings that blocks access to accelerometer and gyroscope data.
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