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Apple AirTags update brings new anti-stalking features

With a new Apple AirTags update, the manufacturer wants to tackle the increasing problems caused by stalking or misuse of the GPS trackers. For this, the trackers are equipped with many new security features and optimizations, while Apple wants to report the misuse directly to the police.

Apple AirTags update: company responds to stalking and theft

In recent months, reports have been mounting that Apple AirTags have been used repeatedly for stalking or theft, for example of automobiles. Now the manufacturer has finally reacted and informed about the unwanted tracking in a comprehensive update.

“AirTags were designed to help people find their personal items, not to track other people or their possessions. We strongly condemn the misuse of our products,” the statement said.

It said it was working closely with security groups and law enforcement agencies to stamp out related problems. Together, they have found ways for an Apple AirTags update that improves security alerts and better protects against unwanted tracking, it said.

Apple shares data with police

It is emphasized that each AirTag presents a unique serial number. Once the tracker has been synced with an Apple ID, Apple can determine who owns the AirTag based on the serial number.

In the event of misuse, the information would be shared with the police or the responsible law enforcement agency to make it easier to find the perpetrators.

However, it is possible to create a new Apple ID with false information without any problems. The company is aware of this and is introducing new security measures. When setting up the Apple AirTags, a new notice will henceforth point out that the misuse of the tracker is punishable and that the police are supported in tracking down the perpetrators.

Benefits for iPhone users

As part of further Apple AirTags updates, they will expand the functionality and enable more security features over the course of the year. Owners of an iPhone 11, 12 or 13 should receive additional information in connection with an AirTag in the future thanks to the built-in UWB chip.

Thanks to “Precision Finding,” it will be possible to see the distance and direction of an unknown nearby AirTag directly on the smartphone. Precision Finding will also be enhanced with additional features and offer new visual, haptic and audible feedback. The playback of a sound when an AirTag is separated from its owner for a few hours is also being revised.

When the audible signal is activated, all Apple devices in the vicinity (iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch) are informed and receive a notification. In addition, information about nearby trackers will be provided more quickly from now on. At the same time, the volume of the acoustic notification is increased and the sound sequence is adjusted to “play more of the loudest sounds to make an unknown AirTag easier to find”.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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With a new Apple AirTags update, the manufacturer wants to tackle the increasing problems caused by stalking or misuse of the GPS trackers. For this, the trackers are equipped with many new security features and optimizations, while Apple wants to report the misuse directly to the police. Apple AirTags update: company responds to stalking and … (Weiterlesen...)

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