Apple AirTag devices will soon undergo software updates to promote security and privacy, the company announced on Thursday. The new steps come after some people mentionted that the pursuers were using the small Bluetooth device to monitor their movements.
“AirTag was designed to help people locate their personal belongings, not to track down another person or property, and we strongly condemn any malicious use of our products,” Apple said in a statement.
Apple said the updates will include a notification to users when setting up the AirTag that clarifies the illegal use of the device to track others, and that law enforcement may request and access AirTag information, including Apple ID in which it is registered, if required.
In the same software update, Apple said it would update “Unknown Accessory Detected” alerts to block certain versions of AirPod headphones. If these AirPods are traveling with one person, the person will be notified that it is a headset and not an “unknown accessory”.
The company is also investigating a number of upcoming AirTag updates, including finding accuracy, which will allow those receiving “Unknown Accessory Detected” alerts to pinpoint AirTag. Other possible updates include amplifying AirTag audio and sending the “Unknown Accessory Detected” notification earlier.
“Hopefully this will start an industry trend for others to also provide this kind of precautionary warnings on their products,” Apple said.
An AirTag is activated when paired with an Apple product and attached to an item, such as luggage or keys, to indicate the location of the item in real time. However, some people have reported that stalkers use the AirTag to track victims by attaching labels to them or their belongings without their consent.
A woman told Inside Edition chief investigator Lisa Guerrero that she had found an AirTag in her car tank. She then received a notification on her iPhone that she was being followed by an “unknown accessory”. Another alleged victim said she felt “helpless” when she found out that a stranger was watching her.
Apple insisted on Thursday that, based on discussions it had with law enforcement, “incidents of AirTag misuse are rare.” The company said it was actively working with officials on all AirTag-related incident reports. “We have worked successfully with them in cases where the information we provided was used to locate an AirTag in the perpetrator, who was subsequently arrested and charged,” Apple said.
The company advised those with iPhones receiving an AirTag notification to click on it and press the “Play Audio” button, which should cause a playback noise on the label so you can find it.
Once you find an unknown AirTag, hold an iPhone or NFC-enabled smartphone near the label and a notification will appear, taking you to a website that provides information about the label, Apple said on its updated resource page.
Android users who detect unknown tags can download a Tracker Detect app to see if an AirTag is traveling with them.
Apple encourages those who believe that their security is at stake to contact local law enforcement.
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