Location Services for "Phone"

I have searched the Internet at length but due to the (what will be obvious) "generic" terms involved I can find nothing. I am running iOS 9.3.2.


Navigating to "Settings > Privacy > Location Services and scrolling down the list of Apps will take you to an "App" called "Phone". On my iPhone the setting was blank (implying no choice had been made). Selecting "Phone" gives the usual Location Services options of "Never", "While Using the App", and "Always". I was now forced to choose one option. I chose "Always" but would rather choose "Never" if it isn't needed.


What is up with this? Why does the App "Phone" need Location Services Permissions? It's a native iOS App with, presumably, system-level permissions. Emergency Services? Replies to this question like, "Try Never and see what happens" are non-starters so don't go there. It isn't obvious what functionality is disabled by selecting Never and the phone still seems to work.

iPhone 6, iOS 9.3.2

Posted on Jun 18, 2016 2:09 PM

Reply
8 replies

Jun 19, 2016 4:09 PM in response to ChitlinsCC

Thanks for the link. Reading through it doesn't offer any clues as to what enabling Location Services does for the "Phone" app. When I first saw the App in the list the Location Services setting was blank which would imply (according to the article you reference) that the Phone has never requested Location Services. So I still have to ask...What do Location Service do for the Phone app? Maybe it's a future "feature"?

Jun 19, 2016 4:17 PM in response to batbyz

I wonder if it might have something to do with "Find My iPhone" - if your fone should ever be lost or stolen?

Perhaps it has to do with "Share my locations with others"? - as you move around with your fone, folks can see where you are on a Map.

ADDED

Maybe it is just the "Place" in Settings for that "switch"... gotta put it somewhere!


I don't have one, so I am actually clueless... maybe tt2 will poke his head in.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Location Services for "Phone"

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.