Millions of iPhone users across the globe discovered an interesting new setting that was automatically switched on in their iPhones. The latest software version included a new setting called "Discoverable by Others''. It can be located under 'Journalling Suggestions' in iPhone's privacy and security settings. Journalling Suggestions was included in the new Journal app, which was launched with iOS 17.2 in December 2023.
When enabled, the feature accesses past data stored on the user's iPhone. Music, images, workouts, who they've called or texted, and significant locations are all included in the data. It is used to suggest what times to write about in the Journal app.
The feature is enabled by default and stays so even after a user deletes the Journal app. According to Joanna Stern, a senior personal technology correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, Apple has confirmed that customers' phones can use Bluetooth to locate nearby devices associated with their contact list. However, the phone does not save any information about the detected contacts. This feature offers context to enhance Journalling suggestions.
The firm has also denied disclosing users' identities and locations to anyone. To clarify their point, Apple provided an example of holding a dinner party at your home with pals listed in your contacts. According to the tech behemoth, the system may prioritise the event in Journalling Suggestions. This is because it recognises that the number of guests made it more than just another night at home with your family.
As per Apple's support page, if you disable the 'Discoverable by Others' option to avoid yourself from being counted among your contacts, the 'Prefer Suggestions with Others' feature will also be turned off. This implies that the Journalling Suggestions feature will be unable to determine the number of devices and contacts in your vicinity.
