Unwanted Tracking Using Apple AirTags

Apple is always at the forefront of delivering high-quality yet practical tech products to consumers and one perfect example is AirTags.

Officially released last April 30, 2021, AirTags help you keep track of items you might otherwise lose like phones and wallets. You can even put them in your car or bike. The applications are diverse. AirTags are designed to be small button-shaped devices that help you track your items. 

Created to work with Apple devices via Bluetooth in your Find My app, these nifty devices run on CR2032 batteries. Each unit is powered by a U1 chip helping you pinpoint location with amazing accuracy. Each AirTags device also has built-in speakers to play specific audio patterns.

What is the pressing issue with AirTags now?

The pressing concern with AirTags is unwanted tracking. Apple is facing this issue head-on to try and thwart the malicious use of AirTags. According to NBCNews, there is evidence to support that some AirTags are being used to stalk people and even steal cars. This is not the first time where scrupulous individuals are using technology to harm other people.

What is Apple doing about it?

It is pretty straightforward to use your AirTags so it can help you find your items and even locate your car in a huge parking lot. But what if criminals are using the same technology to stalk you and follow you around? They could be biding time looking for the perfect opportunity to steal from you?  

Apple has got you covered in a series of updates that can help deter these types of situations. So if you own the AirTag, you can easily locate your items. But if an AirTag owned by another person is being used to track you, there is one thing to help you combat this. 

You get an alert – If an AirTag has been within your belongings for a while, your iPhone would alert you about it. It would let you know that an AirTag has been detected near you. You will see  the message that says “AirTag Detected.” Take note that this happens when an AirTag is separated from its owner. It will also give off a sound if it has been away from its owner between 8 to 24 hours. 

Apple AirTags future update

You might think that the alert is lacking and might not be enough to help fix the problem. And you are right! This is why Apple is looking to release a few updates to help you feel safer while being able to enjoy the benefits of AirTags. Here are some of the rumored updates coming to AirTags in the near future:

Adjusting tone sequence – with built-in speakers, Apple aims to fine-tune the tone sequence given off by unwanted AirTags. The goal is to make it easier for people to locate the exact location of the device.

Updating Algorithm – Apple plans to improve the algorithm to help make you aware that an unwanted AirTag is tracking you.

Precision finding – this is something you can use if you own the AirTag. But Apple is looking at the possibility of opening this technology to help you know where an unknown AirTag is even if you do not own it.

Privacy Warning – Apple plans to put this at the setup stage of getting an AirTag to help remind people it is a crime to use the device to unwillingly track other people. It will also make it clear that victims can immediately notify law enforcement for information on an AirTag owner that is tracking them.

There is no doubt that the popularity and usefulness of AirTags helped underscore an already existing problem that affects a lot of people. Privacy is a big issue and one that Apple does not take lightly. At a time when technology is advancing faster than almost any other industry, it is important to make sure that the privacy of users is still in check.

Easily identify your own AirTags using this Leather Case for AirTag

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