Apple is testing a new iPhone privacy setting in China that lets users prevent selected apps from accessing the device’s motion sensors. The “Restrict Motion Data” option appears in the second beta of iOS 27.2 and blocks access to accelerometer and gyroscope information.

The setting is reportedly aimed at a problem with some apps in China that display “shake-to-open” advertisements. Those ads can react when an iPhone is picked up, moved while walking, or jolted during a car ride, potentially sending users to an unwanted page or redirecting them into another app experience.

Apple has not explicitly stated that the feature was created to address motion-triggered advertising. However, users in China have connected the new control with the behaviour, according to ITHome.

How the Restrict Motion Data setting works

The option allows users to add apps to a restriction list. Apps on that list cannot access motion data from the iPhone’s accelerometer and gyroscope, preventing them from detecting movements such as shaking or sudden changes in orientation.

This is narrower than a device-wide switch. Rather than disabling motion access for every app, users can choose which applications should be blocked. The approach could preserve motion-based functions in apps that genuinely need sensor data while limiting access for apps associated with unwanted redirects.

The feature is currently part of iOS 27.2 beta 2 testing. Its presence in a beta does not guarantee that Apple will keep it in the final release or expand it to other markets.

China availability appears limited

For now, the setting appears to be tied to mainland China App Store accounts. That suggests Apple may be testing the control in response to local app and advertising practices rather than introducing it as a standard iPhone privacy option worldwide.

Users outside mainland China may therefore not see the feature when iOS 27.2 is released later this year. Apple has not indicated that the restriction will be offered more broadly.

Why motion-sensing ads are controversial

Motion-triggered advertising can create an interaction without a user deliberately tapping an ad. Simply handling an iPhone, walking with it, or travelling over a bump may provide enough movement to trigger a redirect in apps that use this type of advertising.

Restricting sensor access gives users a potential way to stop that behaviour at the operating-system level for selected apps. The control may also provide a clearer privacy choice for people who do not want applications monitoring device movement when that data is not essential to the app’s main function.

Apple’s final decision on the feature should become clearer as iOS 27.2 testing continues.