The new NameDrop feature is a handy way to share contact information via Apple’s AirDrop technology, but it’s unlikely to be something many iPhone owners use every day.
However, Apple is broadening the number of uses for the technology with the upcoming iOS 17.2 update due next week.
Once the update drops, iPhone owners will be able to use NameDrop to quickly share other items within the Wallet app like, such as boarding passes and concert tickets.
Save 27% on the brilliant Sony WH-1000XM5
The Sony WH-1000XM5 is still selling for its Black Friday price of £279, which is a 27% saving.
- Amazon
- Save 27%
- Now £279
View Deal
MacRumors reports it’ll simply be a case of selecting the pass you wish to share from the Wallet app, hitting a new Share button and then placing the sending phone atop the receiving phone to begin the exchange. Both phones will need to be on iOS 17.2 to use the feature and the recipient will need to accept the transfer.
Although it’s already possible to share the passes manually from the Wallet app, this sounds like it’ll really enhance the usefulness of the NameDrop feature. Just from personal experience, when you’re the person who has purchased the tickets, making sure everyone has their pass can be a Bir of a hassle.
“AirDrop improvements including expanded contact sharing options and the ability to share boarding passes, movie tickets, and other eligible passes by bringing two iPhones together,” Apple says in the release notes for iOS 17.2, which dropped with the release candidate this week.
NameDrop made the mainstream news recently after police forces in the United States advised users to turn off the feature over fears contact details could be stolen. Those fears were unfounded due to the mutual consent needed for details to be exchanged.
iOS 17.2 will also include the long awaited Journal app, along with new options for the Action Button on the iPhone 15 Pro, as well as the ability to capture Spatial Video on the iPhone 15 Pro models. This feature is intended for users to relive on the forthcoming Vision Pro headset.