AirTag Firmware Update 2.0.36 Drops (supports iPad Tracking Notifications?)

The updated AirTag firmware increases the version number to 2.0.36, bringing fixes and improvements to Apple’s coin-sized item tracker.

• What is happening? Apple has released a new firmware update for its AirTag item tracker with version number 2.0.36 and build number 2A36.
• Why care? Firmware updates bring critical fixes and improvements. Sometimes they bring new features, so it’s worth keeping AirTags up to date.
• What to do? Be sure to leave the Airthe Tag within your iPhone’s Bluetooth range for a few days to allow the update to install automatically.

What’s new in AirTag 2.0.36 firmware?

AirTag firmware with updated version number 2.0.36 and build number 2A36 was released on December 12, 2022 permanently.

We don’t know what’s new in the latest firmware because Apple didn’t provide release notes for the update, but we have an idea. Apple’s changelog for iPadOS 16.2 (due December 13) mentions support for tracking notifications on the iPad:

Tracking notifications will alert you if an AirTag separated from its owner is nearby and has recently sounded a beep indicating it is moving.

AirTag tracking notifications are available on iPhones running iOS 14.5. In iPadOS 16.2, they are also available on your Apple tablet.

The support document on Apple’s website detailing what’s new in firmware updates for AirTag has not been updated at the time it was posted with the latest update information. In fact, Apple has not yet updated the document with information regarding the previous AirTag 2.0.24 update (build number 2A24e).

We will be sure to update this article with new information as soon as Apple releases more information about the AirTag 2.0.36 update.

How to update your AirTag

There is no manual process for updating AirTag firmware. Instead, downloading and installing new AirTag software is automatic.

To update the software on the AirTag, be sure to leave the tracker within Bluetooth range of your iPhone. This is the phone that downloads and installs the update.

It may be a good idea to check your AirTag’s battery level in the Find My app because some of your AirTags may have low battery, preventing updates.

Be sure to leave the accessory within range of your iPhone for days, if not weeks – AirTag updates are released in stages, so a critical bug caught early in a software update won’t bring all AirTags in the wild to their knees.

To check the current AirTag firmware version, open the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac and go to the Items tab. Select your AirTag and then tap on its name to see your tracker’s current firmware version number.