AirTag: Apple announces update to prevent unwanted tracking

Apple announces an update to its AirTag to strengthen protection against unwanted tracking.

The Apple AirTag was originally conceived and developed to help users find traces of some of their everyday items, such as a keychain or handbag. However, when the product was on the market for several months, there were reports of a number of abuses where AirTags were illegally used to spy on people or cars. And the situation could very well get out of control.

Apple announces an update to its AirTags

The good news is that the Cupertino company is aware of these issues. An update was recently announced with more explicit warnings and additional protection against unwanted tracking. One of the changes that will happen is in the AirTag setup process. The message will warn that using an AirTag to track people without their consent is illegal, and because AirTags are linked to an Apple ID, authorities can obtain the identity of the owner of any AirTag.

to enhance protection against unwanted tracking

Other changes introduced in this update include improved location accuracy. Indeed, according to Apple, “As the iPhone user moves around, Precise Location uses the camera, ARKit, accelerometer, and gyroscope to guide them to the AirTag through a combination of sound, haptics, and visuals.”

The company also indicates that it remains committed to improving all of this alert logic in the face of unwanted monitoring. “Our tracking alert system uses complex logic to determine how we alert users. We plan to update our unwanted tracking alert system to notify users even earlier if an AirTag or any Locate network accessory is traveling with them.”

At the moment, this is not possible if these changes are enough to prevent people from illegally using AirTags, but in any case, it’s good that Apple is taking action in this direction. To be continued!