How Can Someone Obtain Your Phone Number Through Proximity on an iPhone?

In today’s tech-driven world, there are various ways to connect with others, both online and offline. A recent experience I had while on a date has left me curious about the capabilities of our devices, particularly the iPhone.

Last night, I went out with someone I had only communicated with through the dating app Bumble. Although he provided me with his phone number at the end of our evening together, I didn’t save it or send a follow-up text. After removing him from my Bumble connections today, I was surprised to receive a text message from him. You can see the evidence in this image: Text Message Screenshot.

This unexpected communication led me to ponder a question: is it possible for someone to retrieve your phone number through proximity, especially if both parties are using iPhones? I currently have my AirDrop settings configured to receive requests only from my contacts, which raises further questions about the functionality and potential privacy concerns of Apple’s features.

As an iPhone XR user with the latest software update, I’m keen to understand more about how this system operates. Have other iPhone users experienced similar situations? Is there a way for someone to obtain your number without your explicit consent? I would love to hear your insights and experiences on this matter.

Your thoughts could shed light on whether it’s just a coincidence or if there’s more at play regarding digital information sharing and privacy.