APPLE is set to make a variety of improvements to make it more difficult to track people using AirTags.
The small devices are intended to integrate with Apple’s ‘Find My’ network to track down misplaced objects.
The company asserts that the improvements to the gadget would make it easier to spot suspicious tags and will inform customers sooner if an AirTag is traveling with them.
A number of women revealed in January that they had been followed using AirTags.
AirTags were introduced by Apple in April of last year. The little, circular devices can be fastened to baggage, keys, or anything else that can be misplaced.
However, concealed in a car or on a personal object such as a bag, the devices can be used to track people.
As part of the changes to make misuse more difficult, Apple said that when users set up their AirTag for the first time, they will see a message warning that tracking people without their consent is illegal in many parts of the world.
If an unknown AirTag moves with them, iPhone users (and Android users who download an app) receive “unwanted tracking” alerts.
According to Apple, people will be notified sooner if an unknown AirTag is traveling with them.
Users of iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 devices will be able to use “precision finding” to view the distance and direction to an unknown AirTag when it is in range they are warned of “unwanted tracking” by an AirTag.
This could previously only be done by the AirTag’s owner.
However, to make the suspect AirTag play tones, iOS users can send an unwanted tracking alert, and Apple has stated that tags will use louder tones in the future to make the tag easier to locate.
The company also announced that it will improve a function that makes an AirTag that hasn’t been with the person who registered it for a long time play a sound when moved.
In concept, this may notify a stalking victim to the presence of an AirTag, but recent reports indicated that AirTags with the internal speakers disabled are being sold online.
To combat this, a warning will show on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when the sound is activated and the AirTag is spotted moving.
Apple also stated that it will add more information and resources to its support page on unwanted tracking.
