The iOS 17 beta is out, bringing a host of new features to the iPhone. However, one that stands out the most is NameDrop. It’s an enhanced version of Apple’s AirDrop that lets you instantly share contact information between compatible iPhone and Apple Watch models. We’ll walk you through how to set up and use NameDrop.
Summary:
How does NameDrop work?
Like the classic AirDrop sharing method, NameDrop allows you to share or exchange information between your iPhone and other devices. However, this is limited to your contact information such as phone number and email address.
However, this method has more advantages than the previous one, such as displaying animations and touching posters.
While the concept of NameDrop sounds the same as AirDrop, the new feature uses NFC and ultra-wideband (UWB) to connect to other devices instead of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The new feature integrates with AirDrop, which can be used to initiate shared playback or transfer content such as photos.
The first thing you need to do is create a contact poster in the contacts app. To share it, just bring two iPhones running iOS 17 closer together. /© nextpit
How to use NameDrop on iPhone and Apple Watch?
There is no need to configure or toggle anything in the AirDrop settings to use the NameDrop feature. It works automatically whether your device is locked or unlocked. All you need is an iPhone or Apple Watch running iOS 17 or watchOS 10.
Currently, the feature is available for iPhones running the iOS 17 beta. The NameDrop feature is only enabled on Apple Watch with the final version of watchOS 10, due out in September.
Here’s how to use NameDrop between iPhones:
- Method Two iphone Each other, it is better to touch the upper part.
- Wait for the flow effect to complete on both iPhones.
- Once paired, context menu Appear Comes with contact posterif added.
- You can choose to share your contact information or just receive information.
- by pressing share buttonyou send contacts to other iPhones.
- by choosing receive buttonyou can leave your contact information.
On the left is a “reception-only” smartphone, and on the right are contacts saved in the Contacts app. / © Xiakeng
Answer security and privacy questions
NameDrop only shares contact information from your iPhone or Apple Watch, including contact posters and email addresses. It doesn’t leak sensitive data like home addresses. Also, there is always the possibility that you will only receive another user or another user’s contacts.
iPhone and Apple Watch models that support NameDrop
Before using NameDrop, make sure your iPhone is compatible with the latest version of iOS. For iPhones, this is a native feature of iOS 17 and is compatible with models from iPhone XR and iPhone XS to iPhone 14 and iPhone SE 2 (2022). Below is a list of iPhones that can use this feature.
- iPhone XR
- iPhone XS (maximum)
- iPhone 11 (mini) and iPhone 11 Pro (max)
- iPhone 12 (mini) and iPhone 12 Pro (max)
- iPhone 13 (mini) and iPhone 13 Pro (max)
- iPhone SE (2022)
- iPhone 14 (Enhanced) and iPhone 14 Pro (Maximum)
NameDrop-ing is also possible between an iPhone and an Apple smartwatch, provided the two devices are running iOS 17 and watchOS 10, respectively. For Apple Watch, this feature supports Apple Watch Series 6 and later.
- Apple Watch Series 6
- Apple Watch SE
- Apple Watch Series 7
- Apple Watch SE Second Generation (2022)
- Apple Watch Series 8
- Apple Watch Ultra
As for the iPad, Apple has not yet clarified whether it will add the NameDrop feature to its tablet in iPadOS 17. Maybe it can be added in the next version of iPadOS.
What other iOS 17 features would you most like to try? Do you want to see more iOS 17 guides?
On the same topic, find out what’s new in iOS 17 coming to your iPhone this year. Also read what’s new in iOS 17 Beta 2.