Apple on Thursday announced that it will release updates to its AirTags tracking accessory with the purpose of cutting down on unwanted tracking. The updaTes will be implemented in a multi-phase rollout.
In an upcoming software update, Apple plans to implement new privacy warnings that will show up during AirTag setup to thwart malicious use. The warning will make it clear that the AirTag is linked to an Apple ID, that using it to track people is a crime, and that law enforcement can request identifying information about the owner of the AirTag. Apple says that the language of the alert could change slightly, but it will basically convey the following information:
AirTag is Linked to Your Apple ID. AirTag is intended solely to track items that belong to you. Using AirTag to track people without their consent is a crime in many regions around the world. AirTag is designed to be detected by victims and to enable law enforcement to request identifying information about the owner.
Apple has stated that it will work to fix a bug that has caused confusion around unwanted tracking. While the company’s AirPods product can cause and “Unknown Accessory Alert” warning to appear, AirTags are not designed to activate this warning.
In the upcoming software update, AirPods will properly identify themselves so people will no longer see the confusing “Unknown Accessory” messaging.
Apple has also updated its Unwanted Tracking support article to provide more information as to the safety features built into AirTags, AirPods, and Find My network accessories. The update page offers expanded explanations on which accessories can trigger an unwanted tracking alert, visuals on what those alerts look like, and more detailed information on what users should do after receiving such an alert. Additional information includes links to resources that people can use if they feel their safety is at risk as well as clear instructions on finding and disabling an AirTag.
The company has stated that it will also implement the following changes:
Precision Finding – iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 users who receive an unwanted tracking alert can locate an unknown AirTag with precision, similar to the Precision Finding feature that’s available to AirTag owners. The feature will provide the distance and direction to an unknown AirTag when it is in range, making it easier to locate.
Display alert with sound – When an AirTag separated from its owner plays a sound to alert those nearby, it will also display an alert on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch so that it can be tracked down by sound or Precision Finding if the feature is available. Apple says that this feature will help if the AirTag sound is hard to hear or if the speaker has been tampered with.
Updated unwanted tracking alerts – Apple is going to update its alert system to notify users earlier that an unknown AirTag or Find My network accessory may be traveling with them.
Louder AirTag sound – When an iOS user receives an unwanted tracking alert, they can cause the AirTag to play a sound to make it easier to track down. Apple is going to adjust the tone sequence to use more of the loudest tones to make AirTags louder and easier to find.
Apple has yet to offer a specific timelines as to when these new features might be released, but has stated that they’ll be available later this year. These updates are designed for Apple product users, and Apple has nothing to announce on the Android front.
Finally, Apple has stated that it is listening to user feedback and innovating to make continued improvements to prevent unwanted tracking, so there could be additional changes happening in the future, including for Android users.
Unwanted AirTag tracking has not gone under Apple’s radar, and the company said that it has been working with law enforcement in situations where AirTags are used for malicious purposes. Every AirTag has a unique serial number and AirTags are associated with an Apple ID. Apple is able to provide paired account details when requested by law enforcement, and it has indeed partnered with the police on cases where the information Apple offered was able to trace an AirTag back to the perpetrator, who was apprehended and charged.
Stay tuned for additional details as to when they become available.
Via MacRumors, Apple, and support.apple.com