Apple’s AirTag is a marvel of a device. It’s a tiny tracker that can hide in your luggage, car, handbag or anything else you want to be able to find. But, please note the word hide: if you can, so can somebody else. New features are coming to AirTag in the next few weeks to help address these stalker-related worries.
Apple AirTag.
The Washington Post via Getty Images
The first developer beta of iOS 17.5 is out now. That’s the next iPhone software update which is expected to reach general release soon (read full details of exactly when here) and the code has revealed a lot of what might be coming.
For example, according to 9to5Mac, there are references to alerts for third-party item trackers. This all fits with the work Apple did last year when it, jointly with Google, proposed an industry standard specification to help make sure that Bluetooth trackers were not misused.
Now, the software mentions suggest that the Find My app will identify tracking accessories even if they’re not AirTags. If it finds one, it will notify the iPhone user saying, “This item isn’t certified on the Apple Find My network. You can disable this item and stop it from sharing its location with the owner. To do this, follow the instructions provided on a website by the manufacturer of this item.”
Right now, the iPhone software can spot Bluetooth trackers, but only ones which are certified by Apple. This is going to change, and it represents a big step forward.
And it’s probably not coincidence that today Google announced it is launching its own Find My Device network in the next three days, that is by Sunday, April 7 or Monday, April 8. This was reported in 9to5Google and comes from emails sent out by Google. This said, “With the new Find My Device network, you’ll be able to locate your devices even if they’re offline. You can also find any compatible Fast Pair accessories when they’re disconnected from your device. This includes compatible earbuds and headphones, and trackers that you can attach to your wallet, keys, or bike.”
According to the report, “To the benefit of iPhone owners, Google held back the launch of its network so Apple could apply this protection in iOS, something that appears to have finally happened in iOS 17.5.”
In other words, the next days and weeks look like they will bring big changes to the world of tracking devices.
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Michael Johnson is a tech enthusiast with a passion for all things digital. His articles cover the latest technological innovations, from artificial intelligence to consumer gadgets, providing readers with a glimpse into the future of technology.
